What causes infant jaundice?

Generally, infant jaundice may be caused by excessive bilirubin production, insufficient liver metabolism, breast milk jaundice, infections, biliary atresia, and other factors. If any discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessive Bilirubin Production

After birth, infants have a relatively high number of red blood cells, which have a short lifespan. When red blood cells break down, they produce more bilirubin, making jaundice more likely to occur. Parents can increase the frequency of infant feeding to promote bilirubin excretion through feces by encouraging more milk intake and bowel movements. Close observation of the degree of skin and scleral jaundice, as well as the infant's mental status and feeding behavior, is also important.

2. Insufficient Liver Metabolism

An infant's liver function is not yet fully developed, resulting in weak capacity to uptake, conjugate, and excrete bilirubin. This can lead to bilirubin accumulation and subsequent jaundice. It is important to provide infants with a warm and comfortable environment to avoid cold exposure, as cold temperatures may impair liver function. Ensuring adequate sleep and nutritional intake for the infant helps promote liver development. Regular hospital visits for bilirubin level monitoring are also necessary to track jaundice progression.

3. Breast Milk Jaundice

Certain components in breast milk may interfere with bilirubin metabolism in infants, reducing bilirubin excretion and causing jaundice. This typically appears around one week after birth and peaks around two weeks. If jaundice is mild, breastfeeding can continue alongside increased feeding frequency. If jaundice persists for a longer duration or is more severe, temporary cessation of breastfeeding for 1-2 days under a doctor's guidance, switching to formula feeding, may be necessary. Breastfeeding can resume once jaundice improves. During this period, the mother should use a breast pump to express milk to maintain lactation.

4. Infections

When infants are infected with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, normal liver function may be affected, leading to abnormal bilirubin metabolism and jaundice. Symptoms may include fever, reduced feeding, and poor mental status. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics such as Cefaclor dry suspension, Amoxicillin Clavulanate Potassium dry suspension, or Cefixime granules may be used under medical guidance. For viral infections, antiviral medications like Ribavirin granules may be administered. Proper infant care is essential, including maintaining skin hygiene and avoiding cross-infection.

5. Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia prevents bile from draining normally, causing bilirubin accumulation and jaundice. The jaundice progressively worsens, and stool color gradually lightens, sometimes becoming clay-colored. Once diagnosed with biliary atresia, prompt surgical treatment under medical guidance, such as portoenterostomy, is required to restore the bile drainage pathway. Postoperative care should focus on infant nutrition, with regular hospital follow-ups to monitor liver function and other indicators.

In daily life, it is important to keep infants warm and avoid cold exposure; maintain indoor air circulation to provide a healthy living environment; caregivers should wash hands before handling infants to reduce the risk of infection.