Question
My baby has been crying and fussing for the past two days, and their face is yellow, with the corners of their eyes also showing some yellowing. The hospital examination says the bilirubin level is elevated, indicating jaundice. What should I do if a newborn’s jaundice levels are elevated?
Answer
Newborn jaundice refers to a condition in the neonatal period where an abnormal bilirubin metabolism leads to an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae. It is one of the most common clinical problems in newborns. The disease can be divided into two major categories: physiological and pathological. Physiological jaundice refers to a temporary jaundice caused solely by the characteristics of bilirubin metabolism. It usually appears 2-3 days after birth, reaches its peak at 4-6 days, and subsides between 7-10 days. In premature infants, it may last longer. Apart from mild loss of appetite, there are no other clinical symptoms. Physiological jaundice generally does not require treatment, and it is best to follow the doctor’s advice on how to treat and save the baby.