Overview
Infant jaundice is a common condition that affects newborn babies. It is characterized by yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. In healthy babies, the liver is able to remove bilirubin from the blood, but in infants with jaundice, the liver is not able to do this effectively.
Types of Infant jaundice
- Physiological jaundice: This is the most common type of infant jaundice and occurs due to the normal process of bilirubin production in the first week of life.
- Pathological jaundice: This type of jaundice occurs due to an underlying medical condition such as liver disease or blood type incompatibility.
- Breast milk jaundice: This type of jaundice occurs due to the presence of a specific protein in breast milk that interferes with the body's ability to remove bilirubin from the blood.
- Premature jaundice: This type of jaundice occurs due to the immaturity of the liver in premature babies.
Causes of Infant jaundice
- Lack of liver maturity: The liver is not mature enough to remove bilirubin from the blood.
- Hemolytic disease: The destruction of red blood cells can lead to an increase in bilirubin production.
- Breast milk consumption: Breastfeeding can increase the risk of jaundice due to the presence of certain proteins in breast milk.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as liver disease or blood type incompatibility can increase the risk of jaundice.
Risk Factors of Infant jaundice
- Preterm birth: Babies born before 38 weeks' gestation are at higher risk of developing jaundice.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can increase the risk of jaundice due to the presence of certain proteins in breast milk.
- Family history: Babies with a family history of jaundice may be at higher risk of developing the condition.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as liver disease or blood type incompatibility can increase the risk of jaundice.
Symptoms of Infant jaundice
Preventions of Infant jaundice
Prevention of infant jaundice is focused on promoting healthy breastfeeding practices and monitoring for signs of jaundice. Here are some tips:
- Breastfeeding support: Breastfeeding support and education can help promote healthy breastfeeding practices and reduce the risk of jaundice.
- Monitoring for signs of jaundice: Healthcare providers should monitor for signs of jaundice, such as yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes.
- Promoting healthy liver function: Promoting healthy liver function through diet and supplements can help reduce the risk of jaundice.
Diagnosis of Infant jaundice
A diagnosis of infant jaundice is typically made through a combination of physical examination and laboratory tests such as:
- Physical examination: A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to check for signs of yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes.
- Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests (LFTs) may be performed to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Treatment for Infant jaundice
Treatment options for infant jaundice depend on the severity and cause of the condition. Here are some common treatment options:
- Phototherapy: Phototherapy uses light therapy to break down bilirubin in the blood.
- Pharmacological treatment: Pharmacological treatment may be used to reduce bilirubin production or promote its excretion.
- Exchange transfusion: Exchange transfusion may be used in severe cases of infant jaundice to remove excess bilirubin from the blood.
When to seek medical attention ?
If you suspect that your baby has infant jaundice, it is essential to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend further testing or treatment to alleviate your baby's symptoms and prevent complications.
