Patient's question:
The sky is mainly jaundice born 3 days ago and has not subsided to this day.Doctor's answer:
Although most cases of jaundice are treatable, if the jaundice level is too high, it may even lead to " kernicterus." In addition to causing neurological damage, motor disorders, cerebral palsy, and hearing problems, severe jaundice can even result in death. Parents should closely monitor their child's jaundice levels, but the safest approach is to have it monitored in the hospital. Generally, if the transcutaneous bilirubin level is higher than 12.9 mg/dL, hospitalization and treatment are necessary.Medical Advice: Currently, the primary treatment for neonatal pathological jaundice is phototherapy. Through phototherapy, the bilirubin in the body can be converted into other substances, allowing the accumulated bilirubin to find an alternative exit. This can alleviate jaundice symptoms. Phototherapy does not affect liver function, and once the baby's liver matures and can process bilirubin on its own, the condition will return to normal. However, if jaundice does not improve after phototherapy, medication or blood transfusion may be required. If jaundice is caused by biliary atresia, surgical treatment is necessary.
Key Points for Home Care:
1. Physiological jaundice is a normal physiological phenomenon, and the child should not feel any discomfort. Therefore, there is no need to panic upon discovering jaundice. During this period, drinking water mixed with glucose can help. The diuretic effect of the sugar solution can accelerate the excretion of bilirubin. Poor feeding and hunger may worsen and prolong physiological jaundice.
2. Various acute and chronic illnesses can also exacerbate or prolong physiological jaundice. These conditions should be treated actively.
3. It is important to distinguish between rapidly appearing severe pathological jaundice. Monitor the progression of jaundice, noting the timing of its onset, location, degree of change, and whether symptoms such as muscle weakness, lethargy, weakened sucking reflex, fever, or vomiting occur. If any of these symptoms appear, do not delay treatment and lose the opportunity to seek timely care.