Patient's question:
The baby has been crying and fussing a lot these past few 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 level is high, which is jaundice. What should be done if the jaundice level in newborns exceeds the normal range?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, it tends to last 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.