Treatment
Jaundice

Because jaundice is not a disease, it is important for your doctor to determine what is causing your jaundice, and treat the root of the problem. By treating the condition that is causing your jaundice, such as removing a gallstone that is blocking the bile duct, your jaundice will disappear.

 

Jaundice in Newborns

In most cases, jaundice will not need treated in newborns. Within a few days of birth, the baby’s body will adapt to processing bilirubin on its own, and the jaundice will disappear. 

If your baby’s bilirubin level becomes too high, your baby’s pediatrician may order treatment based on:

  • the bilirubin levels
  • the cause of the jaundice
  • your baby’s tolerance for procedures or therapies
  • your preference

Phototherapy is the most common treatment. Phototherapy uses special lights to alter the structure of bilirubin, making it easier for the baby’s liver to remove it from the body. This helps to lower the baby’s bilirubin levels. There are two types of phototherapy:

  • Fluorescent light
    In the hospital, doctors will place a special blue spectrum light above the baby’s isolette or crib. The hospital staff will place eye patches on your baby to protect his or her eyes, and the staff will monitor you baby’s body temperature. The special light will be left on throughout the day and night, and it may take several hours before the light begins to alter the bilirubin.   
  • Fiberoptic technology
    You may be given a fiberoptic light blanket to use in the hospital or at home to lower your baby’s bilirubin levels. The blanket can be used in the same manner as a regular blanket. It can be placed on the baby or the baby may be wrapped in the blanket, and no protective eye patches are needed. The blanket may be used alone or in conjunction with fluorescent light therapy.

As with adults, if your doctor learns that your baby’s jaundice is the result of an underlying disease or condition, that disease or condition must be treated so that the jaundice will be cleared.

In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be needed. By replacing the baby’s blood with fresh blood, the excess bilirubin is flushed from the system.




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