Newborn Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention- Wellsun Medicity
Understanding Newborn Jaundice Or (Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia) Newborn jaundice occurs when a baby's skin and eyes appear yellow due to elevated bilirubin levels. Typically, it resolves as the liver matures and the baby begins to feed, generally clearing up within 2 to 3 weeks. However, if jaundice persists, it may indicate an underlying issue. High bilirubin levels pose a risk of brain damage in infants. Causes and types Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms when red blood cells break down. In older infants and adults, the liver efficiently processes bilirubin, allowing it to move through the digestive system. However, a newborn's liver is still developing and may not be ready to handle this process effectively. There are two main types of newborn jaundice : physiological and pathological . Physiological jaundice is the most common, making up about 75% of cases. It occurs when a baby's body can't clear bilirubin quickly enough, usually showing up a few da