Will neonatal jaundice recur?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on March 30, 2025
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Neonatal jaundice is a common symptom during the newborn period. It can be a symptom of normal growth and development or an indication of certain diseases. Jaundice is divided into physiological and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice generally appears two to three days after birth, reaches its peak around four to five days, and subsides around ten days. Generally, the duration of jaundice in babies does not exceed two weeks, and the situation is usually manageable. Once physiological jaundice has subsided, it does not recur. If jaundice reappears after it has completely resolved, it is necessary to be cautious as it may indicate pathological jaundice. In such cases, it is advisable to visit the hospital where doctors can conduct relevant tests based on the baby's condition. If it is confirmed that the pathological jaundice needs treatment, it is recommended to intervene and treat it early.

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Written by Shi Ji Peng
Pediatrics
1min 11sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice generally appears on the 2nd to 3rd day after birth and can manifest with yellowing of the skin, conjunctiva, and oral mucosa. The degree of jaundice varies, usually more noticeable on the face and chest, but not present on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It is most apparent on the 4th to 6th day after birth. The duration of jaundice also varies; in full-term infants, jaundice typically subsides within 10-14 days after birth, whereas in premature infants, it can last until the third or even the fourth week. During this period, infants with physiological jaundice are generally in good condition without any other discomfort and do not require treatment. However, pathological jaundice must be investigated for its cause. Pathological jaundice is primarily characterized by an early onset, severe degree, prolonged duration, or recurrence of jaundice. In such cases, it is classified as pathological jaundice, and it is crucial to actively search for the cause and treat accordingly based on the identified cause.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to test for neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is relatively common during the newborn period, with about 80% of full-term babies showing visible yellowing of the skin. Typically, jaundice is measured using a jaundice meter, such devices are available in common community hospitals as well as in major hospitals like People's Hospital or maternity and children's health facilities, or other comprehensive hospitals. This is generally done through transcutaneous bilirubin measurement. If the transcutaneous bilirubin levels are high, it is necessary to determine the specific degree of jaundice, at which point a blood test to check liver function is required to assess the bilirubin levels more precisely.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is it useful for newborns with jaundice to take probiotics?

Probiotics are useful for newborn jaundice. After oral administration of probiotics, they help establish a normal gut microbiota in babies and then reduce the enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin, which aids in the treatment of jaundice. Common probiotics, often referred to in layman's terms as live bacteria, include species like Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium, or Lactobacillus, among others. These probiotics are available in pharmacies. Generally, for newborns, especially those who are breastfed and do not recover well from jaundice, oral probiotics can have a therapeutic effect on reducing jaundice, so it is suitable for newborn babies to consume certain probiotics.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How long is the incubation period for neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is the most common phenomenon in the neonatal period, especially in early neonates, which refers to newborns within the first week of life. About 80% of full-term infants can visually exhibit signs of jaundice. Jaundice can be categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Typically, physiological jaundice appears about two to three days after birth. If it is pathological jaundice, it may appear earlier, possibly within the first twenty-four hours after birth. Generally, if the jaundice appears early, progresses quickly, and is severe, it is necessary to intervene and treat promptly.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is neonatal jaundice pneumonia serious?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in the newborn period, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom of the normal developmental process in newborns or a manifestation of certain diseases. If a newborn has jaundice combined with pneumonia, it is possible that the pneumonia is infectious, and infection is also one of the common causes of jaundice. Therefore, if the inflammation is not controlled, it may repeatedly rebound or continue to rise. If the symptoms of pneumonia are not very severe and the baby is generally in good condition with not particularly high infection indicators, general anti-infective treatment for pneumonia along with corresponding treatment to reduce jaundice will generally have no lasting impact on the baby, as long as it is cured. However, if it is a severe case of pneumonia and the situation is not particularly good, and the jaundice remains very high and severe, it might have a slight impact on the baby later on. If bilirubin encephalopathy occurs, the possibility of neurological sequelae may be greater. Generally, ordinary pneumonia combined with jaundice does not have much impact on the baby.