Question
What are the causes of neonatal jaundice?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice is typically caused by an elevated concentration of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells, and when it exceeds the liver’s processing capacity, it accumulates in the blood, causing the skin and mucous membranes to turn yellow. Neonatal jaundice can be either physiological or pathological, with causes including hemolytic jaundice, breast milk jaundice, and others.
Treatment Methods
The primary treatment for neonatal jaundice is to identify the cause and treat it accordingly. Physiological jaundice usually does not require special treatment, but regular monitoring of bilirubin levels is necessary. Pathological jaundice may require medication, such as oral jaundice-lowering drugs or blue light therapy. In severe cases, blood transfusion may be necessary. Additionally, appropriate sunbathing can help reduce bilirubin levels. It is important for parents to regularly bring their children back to the hospital for bilirubin level checks to ensure timely detection and treatment of any issues.