Question
When newborns develop physiological jaundice, parents often worry about the timeframe for its natural disappearance and whether medication or surgery is needed. How long does physiological jaundice typically take to resolve? Are there any effective non-surgical treatment methods?
Answer
Physiological jaundice is a common occurrence in newborns, primarily due to the baby’s underdeveloped liver, which cannot effectively process an excess of bilirubin, leading to yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It usually appears within three to four days after birth and resolves naturally as the baby’s liver function matures. Most newborns with physiological jaundice see a gradual decrease in jaundice within one to two weeks after birth, but it may persist up to five to six weeks. For physiological jaundice, medication or surgery is generally not required. Parents should ensure that the baby has adequate intake of breast milk or formula to promote bilirubin excretion. If the baby’s condition…