How can infant jaundice be reduced quickly?
Generally, infant jaundice may be caused by characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism, insufficient feeding leading to 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. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism: The enzymatic system of a newborn's liver is not yet fully developed, resulting in weak bilirubin metabolism and a tendency for bilirubin accumulation that can lead to jaundice. Increase the number of daily feedings to ensure the infant receives sufficient breast milk or formula, promoting urination and defecation to help eliminate bilirubin.
2. Insufficient feeding and reduced bowel movements: Inadequate intake of breast milk or formula may reduce the frequency of infant bowel movements, increasing bilirubin reabsorption in the intestines and worsening jaundice. Feed the infant according to demand; if breast milk is insufficient, supplement with formula under a doctor's guidance to ensure 3-5 bowel movements daily and reduce bilirubin reabsorption.
3. Breast milk jaundice: Some infants may be sensitive to certain components in breast milk, which can prolong jaundice. Temporarily switch to formula feeding for 1-3 days under a doctor's guidance to observe changes in jaundice. During this period, use a breast pump to maintain milk production, and gradually reintroduce breastfeeding once jaundice improves.
4. Neonatal hemolytic disease: Blood type incompatibility between mother and infant can cause hemolysis, rapidly increasing bilirubin levels, leading to early and severe jaundice. Under medical guidance, administer phototherapy and medications such as human albumin injection, immunoglobulin injection, and phenobarbital sodium injection to reduce bilirubin levels and prevent complications.
5. Neonatal infections: Bacterial, viral, and other infections may impair liver function, causing abnormal bilirubin metabolism and worsening jaundice. Under medical guidance, use medications such as cefotaxime sodium for injection, penicillin sodium for injection, and acyclovir injection to control the infection, and combine with phototherapy to promote jaundice resolution.
In daily care, with a doctor's approval, appropriately expose the infant's skin to gentle sunlight for 10-15 minutes per session to assist bilirubin breakdown. Closely monitor the infant's mental status, feeding behavior, and jaundice progression, and maintain proper nursing records to facilitate rapid resolution of jaundice.