Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and the white part (the sclera) of the eyes.
Causes
Jaundice in newborns most commonly occurs because their livers are not
mature enough to remove bilirubin from the blood. Jaundice may also be caused by a number of other
medical conditions.
Jaundice Diagnosis
The serum bilirubin level may be checked.
complete blood count.
G6PD deficiency.
Jaundice Self-Care at Home
Sunlight helps to break down indicrect bilirubin so that a baby's liver can process it more easily.
Place the child in a well-lit window for 10 minutes twice a day is often all that is needed to help cure
mild jaundice. Never place an infant in direct sunlight. - If the bilirubin level is too high, the child may need to be placed under a sunligh.This Treatment
is called phototherapy. - Sometimes, such lights can be set up at your home with careful monitoring.
- The doctor (with the parent's help) will decide whether to begin a child on phototherapy.
- If an infant's bilirubin levels are very high or if the child appears ill,
the baby will most likely be admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Newborn Jaundice Medical treatment. - Significant jaundice is often treated with phototherapy. This involves placing the baby on a warmer
beneath special lights - Newborn Jaundice Prevention
In most cases, jaundice is not preventable. - The best way to avoid jaundice is to make sure your baby is getting enough fluids.
- If you are breastfeeding your child and have any questions or concerns, speak to a lactation consultant. Many hospitals provide this service.
- If you have not received formal training in infant or child CPR and you have
children at home, contact your local American Heart Association chapter to
enroll in a class as soon as possible.
is called phototherapy.
- Sometimes, such lights can be set up at your home with careful monitoring.
- The doctor (with the parent's help) will decide whether to begin a child on phototherapy.
the baby will most likely be admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Newborn Jaundice Medical treatment.
beneath special lights
In most cases, jaundice is not preventable.
- The best way to avoid jaundice is to make sure your baby is getting enough fluids.
- If you are breastfeeding your child and have any questions or concerns, speak to a lactation consultant. Many hospitals provide this service.
- If you have not received formal training in infant or child CPR and you have
children at home, contact your local American Heart Association chapter to
enroll in a class as soon as possible.