Patient's question:
The baby has been crying and fussing a lot these last couple of days, and has a yellow complexion, with some yellowing around the corners of the eyes. When taken to the hospital for a check-up, it was found that the bilirubin levels were high, which is jaundice. What should be done if a newborn's jaundice levels are above normal?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal jaundice refers to the condition during the neonatal period where abnormal bilirubin metabolism leads to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, resulting in the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. It is the most common clinical issue in newborns. This condition can be categorized into two major types: physiological and pathological. Physiological jaundice is a temporary condition caused solely by the characteristics of bilirubin metabolism. It typically occurs 2-3 days after birth, peaks between 4-6 days, and resolves within 7-10 days. In premature infants, the duration is longer. Apart from mild anorexia, there are no other clinical symptoms. Physiological jaundice generally does not require treatment, and it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice on management.