How can jaundice in newborns be treated?
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Chloe Lewis
Studied at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Lives in Pasadena, CA
As a pediatrician with extensive experience in neonatal care, I can provide you with an overview of how jaundice in newborns is typically treated. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that occurs when red blood cells break down. Here's how it's generally managed:
1. Phototherapy: This is the most common treatment for jaundice. Blue or special green light is used to help break down the bilirubin in the baby's skin, allowing it to be excreted through urine and stool.
2. Exchange Transfusion: In severe cases, a procedure called an exchange transfusion may be necessary. This involves slowly removing the baby's blood and replacing it with donor blood that has a normal level of bilirubin.
3. Intensive Care: Babies with severe jaundice may need to be cared for in an intensive care unit where they can be closely monitored.
4. Prevention: Ensuring that the baby has enough to eat and is well-hydrated can help the body process bilirubin. Breastfeeding should be encouraged, as it helps with the passage of meconium, the first stool, which is rich in bilirubin.
5. Monitoring: Regular checks of the baby's bilirubin levels are important to ensure that the condition is not worsening.
It's important to note that while jaundice is common and usually not a cause for concern, it can be serious if the bilirubin level is very high or if the condition is not treated promptly.
1. Phototherapy: This is the most common treatment for jaundice. Blue or special green light is used to help break down the bilirubin in the baby's skin, allowing it to be excreted through urine and stool.
2. Exchange Transfusion: In severe cases, a procedure called an exchange transfusion may be necessary. This involves slowly removing the baby's blood and replacing it with donor blood that has a normal level of bilirubin.
3. Intensive Care: Babies with severe jaundice may need to be cared for in an intensive care unit where they can be closely monitored.
4. Prevention: Ensuring that the baby has enough to eat and is well-hydrated can help the body process bilirubin. Breastfeeding should be encouraged, as it helps with the passage of meconium, the first stool, which is rich in bilirubin.
5. Monitoring: Regular checks of the baby's bilirubin levels are important to ensure that the condition is not worsening.
It's important to note that while jaundice is common and usually not a cause for concern, it can be serious if the bilirubin level is very high or if the condition is not treated promptly.
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Works at the International Development Association, Lives in Washington, D.C., USA.
Often, physiologic jaundice -- the type seen in most newborns -- does not require aggressive treatment. It will typically disappear in a few days with frequent feedings and exposure to indirect sunlight at home. Doctors may test the baby's bilirubin levels during that time to make sure it has not gotten worse.
2023-04-11 14:05:28
Benjamin Brown
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Often, physiologic jaundice -- the type seen in most newborns -- does not require aggressive treatment. It will typically disappear in a few days with frequent feedings and exposure to indirect sunlight at home. Doctors may test the baby's bilirubin levels during that time to make sure it has not gotten worse.
