Patient's question:
The baby was diagnosed with neonatal jaundice at 12.9 mg/dL on the fifth day of birth. At that time, I didn't know what treatment the doctor gave the baby, and he asked me to buy a box of probiotics to give to the child at home. The baby has been feeding well and in good spirits, but now at 20 days, it hasn't improved. Should we seek medical attention immediately?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal jaundice refers to a condition during the neonatal period where abnormal bilirubin metabolism leads to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. It is the most common clinical issue among newborns. This condition can be classified as physiological or pathological. Probiotics are medications that regulate the gut microbiota and do not have a lowering effect on bilirubin levels. Currently, the bilirubin level remains relatively high, and it is best to undergo blue light therapy.