What Parents Should Know About Newborn Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Newborn jaundice can be scary for new parents, but knowledge is power! Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatment with this helpful guide today.
Newborn jaundice is a common condition that affects approximately 60 percent of all babies. Although it can be alarming for new parents, understanding the causes and symptoms of jaundice in newborns will help you take the necessary steps to treat the condition.
What is Newborn Jaundice?
Newborn jaundice is a yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This condition can occur when an infant produces more bilirubin than their liver can adequately process. Mild cases of jaundice typically resolve without treatment, but more severe cases may require medical assistance.
What are the Causes of Newborn Jaundice?
There are several causes of newborn jaundice, including premature birth and an immature liver that can’t adequately process bilirubin. Other causes of jaundice include too few red blood cells (anemia), infections, blood type incompatibility between mother and infant, or an excess of red blood cell breakdown. Newborns may also experience jaundice caused by other medical conditions, such as kernicterus.
What Are The Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice?
Symptoms of newborn jaundice include yellowing of the skin and eyes, lack of energy or lethargy, dark yellow urine, and pale stools. While jaundice is common in newborns, if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
When Should I Seek Medical Treatment for My Baby’s Jaundice?
If you notice any of the symptoms of jaundice, it’s important to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Your baby’s doctor can test her blood and determine the best course of treatment. Depending on the cause and severity of your baby’s jaundice, they might recommend phototherapy, medication or other treatments. Early and appropriate treatment is key to helping manage newborn jaundice.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Newborn Jaundice?
If your baby is diagnosed with jaundice, it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for jaundice depends on the type and severity of the condition. The most common treatment for newborn jaundice is phototherapy, which involves exposing your baby’s skin to a special light that helps break down the bilirubin in his blood. In some cases, oral medications or exchange transfusions may be suggested to help manage more serious cases of jaundice.