-
Featured Condtion/Disease: Jaundice
We are featuring a childhood/infant disease or condition informational post every other Friday. Today's topic is Jaundice.
Definition
Jaundice is the yellow color seen in the skin of many newborns. It happens when a chemical called bilirubin builds up in the baby’s blood. Jaundice can occur in babies of any race or ethnicity, regardless of skin color. Low levels of bilirubin are not a problem, but a few babies have too much jaundice. If not treated, high levels of bilirubin can cause brain damage and a life-long condition called kernicterus. Yet, early detection and management of jaundice can prevent kernicterus. At a minimum, babies should be assessed for jaundice every 8 to 12 hours in the first 48 hours of life and again before 5 days of age.
Signs
Ask your pediatrician to see your baby the day you call, if your baby
- Is very yellow or orange (skin color changes start from the head and spread to the toes)
- Is hard to wake up or will not sleep at all
- Is not breastfeeding or sucking from a bottle well
- Is very fussy
- Does not have enough wet or dirty diapers
Get emergency medical help if your baby
- Is crying inconsolably or with a high pitchIs arched like a bow (the head or neck and heels are bent backward and the body forward)
- Has a stiff, limp, or floppy body
- Has strange eye movements
To get more information about Jaundice, go here.
*Most of the information provided here is from the CDC site, click here to visit their site.
more
Showing posts with label Kernicterus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kernicterus. Show all posts
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Label Cloud