Question
How long does neonatal jaundice take to disappear? My baby is 7 days old and has a slightly elevated bilirubin level. The doctor suggested using blue light therapy and medication, and recommended referral to the neonatal department. The current bilirubin level is 14.4, 14.5, and 14.3. We are unsure whether to accept treatment. If left untreated, the doctor warns that it may lead to meningitis. The baby’s spirits and condition are good. We have already given the baby two days of jaundice-reducing medication, but due to frequent bowel movements, there are small fissures at the anus. We need your advice.
Answer
Neonatal jaundice is categorized into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice usually resolves within half a month to 20 days after birth. However, the resolution time for pathological jaundice depends on whether the cause is promptly treated. For your child’s condition, you can continue using the jaundice-reducing medication and increase fluid intake to promote metabolism, while closely monitoring and frequently measuring the bilirubin level. If the level continues to decline, hospitalization may be required.