Jaundice in babies

Infant jaundice is quite a natural condition. Most newborn babies stay a bit longer in the hospital, depending on the severity of the illness. The disease occurs when the bilirubin count (an orange-yellow waste substance) in the blood spike up. Bilirubin is formed after the break-down of red blood cells. The liver removes it through stool. If the infants have bilirubin levels above 5mg/dL in their blood, that’s jaundice. Symptoms are yellow skin, the pale white part of the eye, dark yellow urine and, whitish stool.

Causes and Types of infant jaundice 

Even though babies are born with a slightly high bilirubin level, their liver isn’t mature enough to start breaking this substance. It may require 3-5 days before the liver startsfiltering bilirubin from the bloodstream. In some cases, this function doesn’t start on time. Hence, babies usually get jaundice in the first few days after their birth. The good news is that the disease is not always harmful. But if the condition persists and it doesn’t go away naturally, it can damage the baby’s brain cells. Parents must do a jaundice test before taking their baby home.

“Physiologic jaundice” is a baby born with pale-yellow tinge on the skin. This condition exists in 2-4 days old infants. It usually resolves within the next two weeks and is considered harmless. However, there are other reasons causing jaundice in babies.

1. If the baby doesn’t get breastfed milk properly, or they aren’t nursing well, it causes Breastfeeding jaundice.
2. Breastmilk jaundice occurs typically in breastfed babies (1-2 weeks old) when the substances in breastmilk impact the break-down of bilirubin.
3. If the baby is born premature, their bodies can hardly clear away bilirubin.
4. If the blood type of the mother and the baby mismatches (Rh factor), it can lead to jaundice.
5. Lack of enzymes, high red blood cells, low oxygen level, infections during birth, and the genetic disorder can also cause jaundice.

Treatment

Baby’s age, blood test, and a thorough physical check determine the type of treatment.

Mothers can consult lactation experts for breastfeeding jaundice. Treating dehydration with fluids can cure this condition. Also, exposing the baby’s skin to light (phototherapy process) can help the baby fight jaundice.

Jaundice in babies is curable if detected at the right time. As parents, observe your infant, and if there is any unusual symptom, don’t think twice before consulting your trusted pediatrician.