Can phototherapy alleviate neonatal jaundice?

Feb 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, phototherapy can alleviate neonatal jaundice. Phototherapy involves exposing the newborn's skin to light of specific wavelengths, which converts indirect bilirubin in the body into water-soluble bilirubin isomers through photo-oxidation. This process lowers the bilirubin levels in the serum and helps reduce symptoms of neonatal jaundice.

Generally, phototherapy can alleviate neonatal jaundice. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Jaundice is a common phenomenon in newborns. Due to the immature liver function in newborns, the bilirubin in the blood cannot be effectively metabolized, leading to jaundice. Phototherapy involves exposing the newborn's skin to light of specific wavelengths. Under the oxidative effect of light, the indirect bilirubin in the body is converted into water-soluble bilirubin isomers. These water-soluble bilirubin isomers can be directly excreted through bile and urine, thereby reducing the bilirubin levels in the serum and alleviating the symptoms of jaundice.

During phototherapy, it is necessary to cover the newborn's eyes and genital area to prevent damage from light exposure to these sensitive regions. Additionally, regular monitoring of the newborn's bilirubin levels is required after phototherapy to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. If any adverse reactions occur, such as fever, diarrhea, or rash, it is important to promptly inform the doctor for adjustment of the treatment plan.

During the treatment process, it is recommended to maintain good nursing practices, such as regularly monitoring the infant's bilirubin levels and following the doctor's nutritional and feeding recommendations, which can help promote the infant's recovery.

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How can infant jaundice be reduced quickly?

Infant jaundice may be caused by characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism, insufficient feeding with reduced bowel movements, breast milk jaundice, neonatal hemolytic disease, neonatal infections, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through feeding adjustments, phototherapy, and other methods. With a doctor's approval, infants can also receive appropriate mild sun exposure by exposing their skin moderately in daily life.

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How can neonatal jaundice resolve quickly?

In general, neonatal jaundice may be caused by excessive bilirubin production, weak liver metabolism of bilirubin, breast milk jaundice, hemolytic jaundice, infectious jaundice, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, phototherapy (blue light irradiation), and other methods.

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How to quickly reduce jaundice in babies

Hemolytic disease caused by blood type incompatibility between mother and infant leads to extensive destruction of red blood cells, excessive production of bilirubin, and results in early onset and rapid progression of jaundice, often accompanied by symptoms such as anemia and hepatosplenomegaly. Phototherapy using blue light is recommended. Additionally, parents can administer medications according to medical advice, such as human serum albumin injection, intravenous immunoglobulin for human use, and sodium phenobarbital injection. In severe cases, exchange transfusion therapy is required.

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How to manage high bilirubin levels in newborn jaundice

In general, high neonatal jaundice may be caused by excessive bilirubin production in newborns, weak hepatic metabolism of bilirubin, breast milk jaundice, neonatal hemolytic disease, biliary atresia, and other related factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general care, phototherapy, medication, surgical treatment, and other appropriate methods.