Patient's question:
My child has been born for five days. They have had jaundice all along. My wife and I are first-time parents with no experience. We checked it, and the reading was 17. Is this within the normal range? Is any special treatment needed?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal jaundice refers to the condition during the neonatal period where abnormal bilirubin metabolism leads to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. The occurrence of yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera is the most common clinical issue in newborns. According to current jaundice tests, the jaundice index is 17 mg/dL. Considering pathological jaundice, blue light should be administered to resolve the jaundice. Exposing the baby to sunlight can help, and the jaundice typically naturally resolves within one to two weeks.