Jaundice in a Newborn Baby
Jaundice is a fairly common condition in newborn babies and is the cause of worry for parents of the infant. This illness is characterized by a yellow tinge of the baby’s skin and the whites of his/her eyes. Jaundice can range in its seriousness from mild to severe and, if left untreated, it can damage the child’s brain. Therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical help if you notice yellowness of the baby’s skin (carefully look at his/her face, legs, abdomen, and chest).
What Causes Jaundice?
Jaundice occurs when excessively high levels of bilirubin accumulate in a child’s blood. Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cells and is normally processed by the liver. If not processed normally, it accumulates in the blood and gives a yellow tinge to the baby’s skin and eyes.
How Is It Treated?
Upon reporting jaundice in a baby, the doctor tests the child’s level of bilirubin. If it is found high, the baby may be subject to phototherapy, a treatment technique in which the infant is placed under strong ultraviolet lights to help his body breakdown the bilirubin. In very serious cases, which are not very common, when the bilirubin level reaches life-threatening limits, the blood of the baby is required to exchange via transfusion.
It is important, therefore, that medical help be sought as soon as possible upon noticing the yellowness of your baby’s skin or eyes.
