How to quickly reduce jaundice in babies
Aug 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
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.
Jaundice in infants may be caused by the characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism, improper breastfeeding, breast milk jaundice, neonatal hemolytic disease, infectious jaundice, and other factors. It can usually be resolved through increased feeding, phototherapy, medication, and other methods. If abnormalities occur, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Characteristics of Neonatal Bilirubin Metabolism: Neonatal liver function is not yet mature, and the capacity for bilirubin metabolism is relatively weak, making temporary jaundice more likely to occur. It is recommended to increase feeding frequency to promote defecation and help eliminate bilirubin, with most cases resolving spontaneously.
2. Improper Breastfeeding: Insufficient breastfeeding leads to reduced infant defecation and increased enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin, resulting in slow resolution of jaundice. Adequate breastfeeding should be ensured, with feeding on demand. If necessary, formula milk can be supplemented under a doctor's guidance to increase the frequency of bowel movements.
3. Breast Milk Jaundice: Certain components in breast milk affect bilirubin metabolism, leading to prolonged jaundice, often accompanied by yellowing of the skin. However, the infant generally appears well, feeds normally, and gains weight appropriately. Doctors usually recommend continuing breastfeeding, though in some cases breastfeeding may be paused for 1-2 days, during which formula feeding is used.
4. Neonatal Hemolytic Disease: Blood type incompatibility between mother and baby causes hemolysis, with extensive destruction of red blood cells leading to excessive bilirubin production. This results in early onset and rapid progression of jaundice, often accompanied by symptoms such as anemia and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Blue light phototherapy is recommended. Parents can also administer medications such as human serum albumin injection, intravenous immunoglobulin, and phenobarbital sodium injection as directed by a physician. In severe cases, exchange transfusion may be required.
5. Infectious jaundice: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens lead to impaired liver cell function and abnormal bilirubin metabolism, causing persistent or worsening jaundice, often accompanied by symptoms such as fever and reduced feeding. It is recommended to use medications such as Cefotaxime Sodium for Injection, Ganciclovir Injection, and Yinzhihuang Granules under medical guidance to control infection and promote jaundice resolution.
In daily life, closely monitor changes in the infant's jaundice and record the onset, exacerbation, and resolution timeline. Ensure adequate feeding to promote defecation and regularly monitor transcutaneous bilirubin levels.
