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Jaundice

What is it?

Jaundice occurs when the body produced too much bilirubin and the liver cannot break it down to get rid of it in the baby's stool. This is a very common condition in infants that usually goes away on its own. If it does not pass on its own, then it can be treated simply and quickly.

What is bilirubin?

Hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells, turns into bilirubin when the red blood cells die. It is common for newborns to be affected because their livers are not yet efficient enough to remove it.

Is jaundice dangerous?

Very rarely is it dangerous, but if the bilirubin level in the blood gets too high it can be. This level varies depending on age and other medical conditions and can be tested through simple blood tests.

Warning signs

The most obvious symptom of jaundice is a yellowish change in skin color and/or the whites of the eyes. If you are not sure, gently press a fingertip on your child's nose or forehead. If the skin is white there is no jaundice, but if it is yellowish contact your physician to make sure the jaundice is not serious.

Treatment

Most times jaundice does not need treatment and will pass on its own. For high levels of bilirubin, a treatment involving special lights will help to alter it so the body can more easily get rid of it. Sometimes this requires a few days in the hospital but sometimes pediatricians can treat babies with these lights at home.

More frequent feedings of breast milk can also help disperse the bilirubin in the stool. Water cannot cannot spread out the bilirubin because it does not pass through the stool.

In rare cases, special treatments may be required to remove the bilirubin. Blood exchanges have been done to give babies fresh blood and remove the bilirubin. Usually once jaundice passes, it does not occur again, but if your baby still appears to have jaundice make sure to talk to your pediatrician.

Jaundice is not a reason to be alarmed. Jaundice occurs even in healthy newborns and is usually not serious. If jaundice persists, contact your physician for treatment.