Question
Ten days ago, a newborn showed symptoms of jaundice and was hospitalized for eight days before returning home. However, the child developed a fever of 39 degrees Celsius the following day. How should this situation be handled?
Answer
Jaundice in newborns is a common condition, usually caused by the underdeveloped liver of newborns, which cannot effectively metabolize bilirubin in the blood. In most cases, jaundice is physiological and does not require special treatment. However, when jaundice is accompanied by fever symptoms, it may indicate the presence of an infection or other complications. For your question, it is recommended to immediately contact a doctor or take the child to the emergency room for examination and treatment. Fever may be a sign of infection, which could worsen the jaundice. The doctor will conduct necessary checks, such as blood tests and temperature monitoring, to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment. Additionally, be sure to closely monitor the child’s jaundice condition and regularly measure their temperature as instructed by the doctor. While waiting for medical assistance, some basic relief measures can be taken, such as keeping the room cool and providing adequate fluid supplementation to the child. Remember, each child’s situation is unique, and timely medical consultation is crucial to ensuring the child receives the best care.