Jaundice typically develops on the second or third day of life and generally follows a predictable pattern.  In healthy bodies, bilirubin is a normal byproduct that occurs in the blood stream as red blood cells are broken down. The bilirubin travels to the liver, where it is excreted into the bile duct and eventually in your stool.  In cases of newborns with jaundice, the liver has not begun to work efficiently yet, so the bilirubin builds up in the liver and the blood instead of traveling to the bile duct.  Newborns in hospitals are routinely tested for jaundice. It's very common — about 60% of full term babies will develop jaundice, and even more of those who are born preterm. In a typical scenario, a newborn infant will be tested for bilirubin levels by pricking the baby's heel and squeezing out a small amount of blood. A baby with a bilirubin level of under 5 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered normal, while anything over 5 mg/dL is considered an elevated level. Most babies with a low to moderate level of jaundice will not need treatment, and the jaundice will clear up after a week or two. Sometimes, if the level is too high, rises too quickly, or does not go down after two weeks, doctors may prescribe light therapy (a UV therapy which is harmless and enjoyed by most babies). In rare cases, your baby may need a blood transfusion to reduce severe jaundice. Most babies born in a hospital will be tested one or more times for their bilirubin levels, but certain symptoms can signal jaundice:  A yellow color to the skin and the whites of the eyes. This is the most common feature of jaundice. Sleepiness and difficulty feeding. Sometimes bilirubin levels cause an infant to be drowsy, which can make nursing or bottle feeding the baby difficult. Try undressing the baby to rouse it to eat. Jaundice is very common and most often clears up on its own. But in some rare cases, it can cause complications and require treatment.  Although jaundice is common among newborns, high levels of untreated bilirubin (what is medically known as "severe hyperbilirubinemia") in the blood can cause bilirubin to pass to the brain, leading to serious complications. Although rare, these complications can lead to permanent brain damage (cerebral palsy, learning problems, or developmental disabilities), improper development of tooth enamel, or hearing loss.  Symptoms to watch for include lethargy, a bright yellow color, and yellow feet (especially the soles). Also poor muscle tone, an unusual, high-pitched cry, fever, or irritability may occur. Your doctor may recommend supplementing breastmilk with infant formula if your baby's bilirubin levels continue to rise after a couple of days of life. In most cases, it is not necessary to supplement unless the baby's bilirubin level is 20 mg/dL or higher or if the baby has other risk factors for jaundice such as prematurity or blood disorders or is losing too much weight. Supplementing with formula can make it harder to establish a successful breastfeeding relationship. Talk your doctor about the pros and cons before supplementing.
افهمي كيف تحدث الإصابة باليرقان. تعرفي على أعراض اليرقان. اعرفي متى يشكل اليرقان مشكلة.