Does breast milk jaundice cause yellowing of the whites of the eyes?

Oct 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Not all infants with breast milk jaundice will have yellowing of the whites of the eyes. The severity of jaundice varies among individuals, and some babies may only exhibit mild or even barely noticeable jaundice, in which case the whites of the eyes may not appear distinctly yellow. If an infant shows yellowing of the eye whites, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo evaluation and treatment under a doctor's guidance.

Generally, whether the whites of the eyes turn yellow in breast milk jaundice depends on the severity of the condition. If the jaundice is relatively severe, the whites of the eyes may appear yellow; if it is mild, the whites of the eyes usually do not turn yellow. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the jaundice is severe, infants may develop yellowing of the whites of the eyes. This mainly occurs because newborns have limited ability to metabolize bilirubin, and certain substances in breast milk may inhibit bilirubin excretion, leading to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. When bilirubin reaches a certain level, it can cause not only skin yellowing but also yellowing of the sclera (whites of the eyes).

Not all infants with breast milk jaundice will exhibit yellowing of the eyes. The severity of jaundice varies among individuals. In cases of mild breast milk jaundice, some infants may show only slight or even barely noticeable jaundice, and the whites of their eyes may not appear distinctly yellow.

If an infant shows yellowing of the whites of the eyes, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and undergo evaluation and treatment under a doctor's guidance.

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