Jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies, occurring in about 60% of full-term babies and up to 80% of premature babies. Jaundice is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellowish substance that is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. When a baby has too much bilirubin, it can build up in the blood and cause the baby's skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow.
Jaundice usually appears within the first few days of life and is usually not serious if it is treated promptly. There are several ways to treat jaundice in newborns, including:
Phototherapy: This is the most common treatment for jaundice in newborns. The baby is placed under special blue lights, which help to break down the bilirubin in the baby's body. Phototherapy can be given in the hospital or at home.
Exchange transfusion: In rare cases, a baby may have very high levels of bilirubin that cannot be treated with phototherapy alone. In this case, a doctor may recommend an exchange transfusion, which involves removing some of the baby's blood and replacing it with donor blood.
Feeding: Encouraging the baby to breastfeed or bottle-feed more frequently can also help to reduce jaundice. Breast milk helps to stimulate the baby's bowels, which can help to remove excess bilirubin from the body.
It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for treating jaundice in your newborn. They will be able to monitor the baby's bilirubin levels and determine the best course of treatment.
Comments
Post a Comment