What should I do if a newborn baby has high jaundice levels a few days after birth?

Elevated jaundice in newborns a few days after birth can be treated through fluid supplementation, blue light phototherapy, medication infusion, or blood exchange therapy. The specific treatment method should be chosen based on the severity of the condition.

1. Fluid Supplementation

When the baby's jaundice is physiological and symptoms are mild with slight yellowing of the skin, the condition can be improved by increasing fluid intake. Provide the baby with more warm water and breastfeed according to demand to increase urination and bowel movements.

2. Blue Light Phototherapy

For pathological jaundice that lasts a long time and shows high bilirubin levels, improvement can be achieved through blue light phototherapy. The duration of phototherapy depends on the condition and medical advice. Regular follow-up tests are important; bilirubin levels should generally be rechecked every 6–12 hours.

3. Medication Infusion

If phototherapy proves ineffective or if signs of worsening jaundice appear, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or albumin may be administered under a doctor’s guidance to rapidly reduce bilirubin levels in the body.

4. Blood Exchange Therapy

In cases of severe jaundice or when bilirubin-induced brain damage (bilirubin encephalopathy) occurs, blood exchange therapy should be promptly performed as recommended by a physician to prevent further progression of the disease and potential brain injury.