Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to increased bilirubin levels. While mild jaundice often improves naturally, higher bilirubin levels may require timely medical evaluation and treatment to prevent complications.
Neonatal Jaundice Treatment
Treatment depends on the baby’s age, gestational age, bilirubin level, overall health, and underlying cause. Doctors may monitor bilirubin levels through blood or transcutaneous testing and assess feeding, hydration, and other risk factors. When treatment is required, phototherapy for newborn jaundice is commonly used to help reduce bilirubin levels.
In more severe cases, or when bilirubin levels remain high despite intensive phototherapy, specialized treatment such as exchange transfusion may be considered.
Parents should seek medical advice if jaundice appears during the first 24 hours after birth, becomes more noticeable, or is accompanied by poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, or other concerning symptoms. Treatment decisions should always be made by a qualified neonatologist or paediatrician based on the baby's individual condition.