Patient's question:
The child has had jaundice since birth. It was around 12 points, but after stopping breastfeeding for two days, it dropped to around 8 points. Please help me see if the child's jaundice is severe and if they can continue breastfeeding?Doctor's answer:
Jaundice is a common symptom and sign, which occurs due to impaired bilirubin metabolism leading to elevated serum bilirubin levels. Clinically, it manifests as yellow discoloration of the sclera, mucous membranes, skin, and other tissues. Since the sclera contains a high amount of elastin, which has a strong affinity for bilirubin, the yellowing of the sclera in jaundiced patients is often the first to be noticed, preceding changes in mucous membranes and skin. In children, jaundice is usually caused by factors such as infection or hemolysis, resulting in yellow skin. After the jaundice subsides, breastfeeding can still continue.