Will newborn jaundice cause the ears to turn yellow?

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

Updated on November 20, 2024

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Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in neonates, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom of normal development in newborns, or it can be a manifestation of certain diseases. Jaundice is generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice, with the main symptom being the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes. Typically, jaundice starts from the face and then spreads to the trunk and limbs. If the degree of jaundice is relatively severe, yellowing will appear on the entire body, including the ears. Generally, if the baby is visibly yellow, it is advisable to monitor the jaundice. If the jaundice value is significantly high and confirmed to be high in the blood, it is considered pathological jaundice, and it is recommended to seek timely intervention and treatment.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 10sec

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Newborn jaundice, how long does it fade?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the neonatal period. It can be a normal physiological phenomenon, or it may be an external manifestation of certain diseases. Neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice does not require intervention, and the baby's general condition is still acceptable. Typically, physiological jaundice in full-term infants appears between two to three days after birth, peaks at four to five days, and subsides around ten days, generally not lasting more than two weeks. In preterm infants, it may last slightly longer, but generally, jaundice does not exceed four weeks. If the progression of jaundice is rapid, severe, or appears early, pathological jaundice might be considered. Pathological jaundice may be due to certain pathological factors causing abnormal jaundice. Depending on the cause of the disease and whether there is timely intervention and treatment for jaundice, the resolution time may also vary.

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Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

55sec

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Which department should a newborn with jaundice go to?

If a newborn has jaundice, it is first necessary to distinguish whether it is physiological jaundice or pathological jaundice. For physiological jaundice, it is self-healing, so there is no need to visit a hospital. As for pathological jaundice, it occurs within 24 hours after birth, or the daily increase in jaundice is particularly large, exceeding the normal range. In such cases, the child should be taken to the hospital for timely medical treatment. Generally, for general hospitals, it is appropriate to visit the pediatric department. If it is a children's hospital or a municipal maternal and child health hospital, then the child should be taken to the neonatology department. Neonatologists will actively treat the child's jaundice and, as a rule, pathological jaundice requires hospitalization.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 2sec

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Can newborns with jaundice drink water?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, especially in the early stages. It can be categorized into physiological and pathological jaundice. If it is early-stage neonatal jaundice, the general condition of the infant is still good, but the progression of jaundice can be quick with noticeable reduction in urine and stool output, and dry skin may occur, possibly due to insufficient feeding. At this point, it is necessary to strengthen feeding. If the mother's breast milk is clearly insufficient, or the baby hardly gets any milk from breastfeeding, then supplemental feeding is required. Usually, supplemental feeding primarily involves formula feeding, and generally, babies are not given water because both breast milk and formula provide sufficient hydration. Hence, it is generally recommended not to give water to newborns with jaundice; instead, simply increase feeding.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 35sec

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How should newborns with jaundice sunbathe?

Generally, when we say that the jaundice level is high, doctors might suggest sunbathing when it approaches pathological values, and possibly taking probiotics with live bacteria to help the baby recover from jaundice. Normally, for sunbathing, it is advised not to do it through glass, and to expose the skin directly to the sun, but you should not expose the baby's eyes directly to the sun because the ultraviolet rays are too strong and may damage the eyes. Additionally, when sunbathing, if it is during the cooler seasons like winter, spring, or autumn, it is important to ensure the baby does not catch a cold. If it is summer, avoid sunbathing during times when the sun is too strong, as the baby's delicate skin might get sunburned, potentially causing harm. Therefore, it is generally best to choose conditions when the temperature is mild and the wind is not too strong, then pay attention to keeping warm or avoiding sunburn. Generally, it is not recommended to use sunscreen or shade for sunbathing; direct exposure of the skin is needed. Parents should consider the actual condition of the disease and try to make the baby as comfortable as possible, avoiding colds or sunburn. If sunbathing is not effective, it is advisable to promptly visit the hospital for a doctor to determine if treatment intervention is necessary.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 3sec

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What is the normal bilirubin value for newborn jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is the most common occurrence during the newborn period, and it is routine to monitor jaundice in babies after birth until they are one month old. During the peak period of jaundice, the frequency of testing tends to increase. Normally, we say that jaundice levels should not exceed 6 within 24 hours, 9 within 48 hours, 12 within 72 hours, and ideally not exceed 15 after 72 hours. If the levels are higher than these values, or if the jaundice progresses too quickly, meaning that the rate increases by more than five milligrams per deciliter every twenty-four hours, this might indicate a pathological condition. In such cases, it is advisable to go to the hospital promptly for a specialist neonatologist to conduct a detailed examination of the baby to see if intervention is needed. Generally, if the baby's jaundice level has risen, it is best to monitor jaundice daily whenever possible after two weeks.