Jaundice in children: A comprehensive guide for parents
introduction
Jaundice (also known as yellowing of the skin) is a common condition in newborns and infants, where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. This is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, a yellow substance produced when old red blood cells break down.
Types of jaundice in children
1. Physiological (normal) jaundice
The reason: The child's liver is not yet mature.
Time: Appears between the second and fourth day after birth
Duration: It usually disappears within two weeks in full-term babies but may last longer in premature babies.
2. Jaundice resulting from breastfeeding
Breastfeeding-related jaundice: appears in the first week due to insufficient milk intake.
Breast milk jaundice appears after the first week due to substances in breast milk.
3. Pathological jaundice
Possible causes:
Infection (bacterial or viral)
Deficiency of certain enzymes
Symptoms of jaundice in children
Initial symptoms:
Yellowing of the skin starts on the face and then spreads to the chest and abdomen.
yellowing of the whites of the eyes
Urine color changes to dark in some cases
Light-colored stools (in certain cases)
Signs that require immediate medical attention:
Yellowing spreading to the abdomen and extremities
Insufficient breastfeeding or weak sucking
Loud, intense crying
The child's back arched backward.
A noticeable change in the color of stool or urine
Diagnosis and tests
1. Clinical examination:
Assess the degree of jaundice by gently pressing on the baby's skin.
Examination of the eyes and mucous membranes
2. Laboratory tests:
Number of complete tales
Additional tests as needed
3. Using a transcutaneous bilirubin meter:
A painless and quick method
Used as a preliminary screening
Treatment methods
1. Phototherapy:
The most common method: exposing the child to a special blue light.
Principle: Light helps break down bilirubin so that it can be excreted.
Duration: varies depending on the severity of the condition.
2. Increased breastfeeding:
In some cases, the doctor may recommend adding formula milk temporarily.
3. Blood exchange:
In very severe cases
4. Treating the underlying cause:
Prevention and preventive measures
prenatal:
Regular follow-up with an obstetrician-gynecologist
postnatal:
Early and frequent breastfeeding (8-12 times a day in the first week)
Monitoring the condition at home
Tips for parents:
Place the child in a well-lit place (natural daylight).
Make sure the child gets enough milk
Signs of improvement:
The yellowing has subsided from the extremities towards the face.
Increase the number of wet diapers for the baby (6-8 diapers per day)
Possible complications
If left untreated:
Kernicterus: Bilirubin reaches the brain, causing neurological damage.
extreme stiffness or softness in the body
cramps
hearing problems
growth and developmental disabilities
Jaundice in older children
Common causes:
Hereditary blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia
gallstones
Metabolic disorders
Some medications
The difference from neonatal jaundice:
It is often a sign of an underlying illness.
He always needs a comprehensive medical evaluation
Common myths about jaundice
What is right and what is wrong:
❌ Myth: Exposing the child to direct sunlight is sufficient for treatment
Fact: Phototherapy uses specific wavelengths and cannot be replaced by sunlight.
❌ Myth : Jaundice can only be treated with herbs
Fact: Some herbs may harm a child's liver
❌ Myth: Jaundice is always not dangerous
The truth is : most cases are mild, but some can be serious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does jaundice usually disappear?
In full-term infants: within two weeks
In premature babies: it may last 3-4 weeks
Breast milk jaundice: may last for several weeks
2. Can the mother continue breastfeeding?
Yes, in most cases
The doctor may advise increasing the frequency or adding extra feedings.
3. When should you go to the emergency room?
If the child becomes difficult to wake up
If he stops breastfeeding
If the yellowing intensifies rapidly
If any signs of complications appear
Summary
Jaundice in newborns is a common and often temporary condition, but it requires close monitoring. Early detection and appropriate treatment prevent serious complications. Following the doctor's instructions and regular follow-up appointments are crucial for a full recovery.
Important reminder: This information is for health education purposes only and does not replace consulting a specialist doctor who can assess each child's condition individually and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
This article was prepared in accordance with the latest medical guidelines and adheres to standards of responsible medical content, providing accurate and reliable information that helps parents understand the condition without causing undue anxiety.
Global medical bodies and organizations (primary sources):
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has up-to-date and comprehensive guidelines on the management of jaundice in newborns.
World Health Organization (WHO): Provides information on jaundice in the context of global health care.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States—National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus): An excellent source of reliable medical information written in clear language.
National health institutions, such as the Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) or your country's Ministry of Health, which usually publish local guidelines and instructions.