Make no mistake, this is a difference in the characteristics of jaundice in infants and children

Jaundice or jaundice can be classified as an easily recognizable disease. As the name suggests, jaundice usually occurs when the patient's skin and whites of the eyes begin to turn yellow.

This disease can affect anyone, including infants and children. High levels of bilirubin in the body are the main cause.

In general, jaundice is harmless and can heal on its own. But in some cases, this disease must receive special treatment so that the body's bilirubin levels quickly return to normal.

To be more clear, recognize the causes and symptoms of jaundice in infants and children under 25 years.

Signs of jaundice in infants
Every newborn actually has "yellow" levels in the blood. According to information from the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), around 60% of newborn babies suffer from this yellow condition.

So when is it said that the baby has jaundice? A new baby is considered jaundice if the level of bilirubin in the blood exceeds 5 mg / dL.

Certain conditions in newborns can also increase the risk of jaundice. What are the risks for the baby?

Premature birth, namely babies born at less than 37 weeks' gestation.
Absence of ASI consumption. This factor may be due to the fact that breast milk is difficult to extract from the first day of the baby's presence.
Differences in blood type between mother and baby, especially in blood type O and mother blood type A or B. In addition, the difference in Rh (positive or negative Rh) between mother and baby can also be a factor
Abnormalities in red blood cells, such as red blood cells that are destroyed more quickly. This condition will increase the risk of yellow babies.
Too many red blood cells (polycythemia) or large bruises on the head (cephalohematoma).

Yellow in infants usually appears two to four days after birth. However, this disease will heal itself when the baby is two weeks old. However, you can always consult a doctor if you are afraid of jaundice in your baby.

Characteristics of jaundice in infants

Jaundice in babies usually starts with the face, facial skin and the white of the yellow eyes. The yellow color will then spread to the chest, stomach, hands and feet.

Babies with this condition tend to be sleepy, weak, difficult and difficult to breastfeed. You should contact your doctor immediately or take your baby to the hospital if you see these signs, especially if accompanied by an increasingly serious yellow.

What about jaundice in children?

Similar to babies, children can also get jaundice. The cause is also the same, namely bilirubin levels higher than normal. But the factors that influence risk are certainly different and may include:

Consumption of food or drinks that are not clean. This is one of the common causes of jaundice in children.
Liver infection causes inflammation.
Gilbert's syndrome which interferes with the normal functioning of the liver.
Hemolytic anemia causes rapid damage to red blood cells.
Hepatitis A, B or C which attacks liver function.
Sickle cell anemia.

Characteristics of jaundice in children

In addition to skin discoloration and yellowing eye bleaching, jaundice characteristics in children may include:

Often has a high fever.
I often feel tired.
Itching on the skin.
His mouth is bitter.
Pale stools.
Rapid weight loss.
Severe stomach pain.
Stiff muscles.
Shivering.

If you find the characteristics of jaundice above in your baby or child, get medical help immediately. With this, the diagnosis can be established and treatment can be given accurately.