Question
Why do newborns develop jaundice? What types of jaundice are there?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice occurs due to an elevated bilirubin concentration in a newborn’s blood, leading to yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. Jaundice can be classified into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice typically appears 2-3 days after birth and resolves within 1-2 weeks without affecting the baby’s health. Pathological jaundice may be caused by various factors, including hemolytic diseases, infections, and metabolic abnormalities, and usually requires medical intervention. If left untreated, pathological jaundice can lead to severe neurological consequences and even affect the baby’s intellectual development.