Jaundice in newborns, though considered normal, can also harm the baby

Yellow babies, also known as neonatal jaundice, are a condition that often occurs in newborns. Some cases of yellow babies will disappear by themselves and do not require treatment. However, if this condition lasts a long time, high bilirubin levels in neonatal jaundice can cause brain damage. This condition is called kernicterus.

Causes of neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is caused by large damage to red blood cells at birth, because the type of hemoglobin found in red blood cells in infants and adults is different. Decomposition causes increased levels of bilirubin which gives a yellow color.

The liver plays a role in the conversion of circulating bilirubin in the blood so that it is easily removed from the body. Therefore, a liver disorder or liver condition that has not fully developed at birth also plays a role in neonatal jaundice. Neonatal jaundice can also occur due to lack of breast milk intake or substances in breast milk.

In addition to common causes, infants with the following disorders also affect the occurrence of neonatal jaundice. In severe conditions, the baby may suffer from kernicterus. These disorders include:

Sickle cell anemia or sickle cell anemia
Trauma during childbirth causes cephalhematoma (bleeding under the scalp)
Sepsis or blood infection
Blockage of the bile duct or intestine
Lack of certain enzymes
Inflammation of the liver
Viral and bacterial infections, such as hepatitis, syphilis, and rubella
Hypothyroidism in infants
Hypoxia or low oxygen levels

Signs of kernicterus

Symptoms observed in infants with kernicterus vary according to the stage of the journey. At first, the baby will look very yellow and even orange. Reflexes in the baby will be lost and the ability to suckle is reduced.

In addition, there may be a decrease in consciousness, so that the baby seems to sleep all the time and decrease muscle, so he looks weak. Conditions at this initial stage, if not checked, will continue to the next stage.

In the next step, the baby will cry continuously with a sharp cry. In addition, the baby will become difficult and increasingly unwilling to breastfeed. Be careful if the baby's back is curved with the neck bent back. This can be a sign of jaundice in infants entering the final phase.

In the final stages, in addition to stiff muscles and curved postures, the baby may experience seizures and not eat. If this problem is not treated immediately by a doctor, the baby may experience respiratory failure and coma that can be fatal.

In older infants, symptoms of acernocytosis may include seizures, motor and movement disorders, as well as hearing and speech problems. Sensory abilities in infants are also impaired.

Kernicterus can also prevent babies from looking up. In addition, stains can be found on teeth due to high bilirubin levels. Bilirubin induced by neurological dysfunction is a collection of symptoms of kernicterus. This condition develops especially at the age of 3-4 years.

If you find jaundice in a baby with the signs below, you should immediately take the baby to the doctor: