Question
Neonates may develop jaundice after birth, which usually does not require special treatment. However, if the jaundice index is high, is it advisable to use medication for treatment?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice refers to a condition during the neonatal period where an abnormal metabolism of bilirubin leads to an increased level of bilirubin in the blood, causing yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. This condition can be classified into two main types: physiological and pathological. Physiological jaundice is a temporary condition caused by bilirubin metabolism and typically appears 2 to 3 days after birth, reaches its peak between 4 to 6 days, and naturally resolves within 7 to 10 days. For physiological jaundice, medication treatment is usually not necessary. Instead, it is helped by increasing the frequency of breastfeeding, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and appropriate sunlight exposure to aid in bilirubin excretion. However, if the duration of jaundice is prolonged or the bilirubin level is too high,