Patient's question:
The child of my sister just turned two days old and has a yellow complexion. My sister is very worried and took him to the doctor for a thorough examination. The doctor said it's newborn jaundice, which is normal and treatable. Sunlight exposure can also be helpful, and it's said to be physiological. I want to know what the cause of physiological jaundice in newborns is?Doctor's answer:
Physiological jaundice refers to transient jaundice caused by abnormal decomposition and metabolism of bilirubin. Physiological jaundice is related to impaired bilirubin decomposition and metabolism in newborns, including the production of relatively more bilirubin leading to enhanced enterohepatic circulation. It typically appears around two to three days after birth and subsides within approximately 7 to 10 days. Generally, there is no major issue, and this type of physiological jaundice does not require special concern.