Question
A 19-day-old male baby is feeding and defecating normally, but his bilirubin level is found to be 13.8. Is this value normal?
Answer
Bilirubin levels are generally considered normal if they do not exceed 15mg/dL. If the baby only shows jaundice in the skin and whites of the eyes without any other discomfort, special treatment is usually not necessary, and jaundice will typically resolve on its own. However, if the level is elevated, consider giving symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication such as Phyllanthus granules or undergoing blue light therapy. Parents should closely monitor their baby’s condition and seek immediate medical attention if needed. Avoid self-administering any medication not prescribed by a doctor to prevent adverse effects on the baby.