Why are the whites of the eyes very yellow in newborn babies?
Disease description:
I just gave birth to a baby, and my baby's white part of the eyes is yellow. Why is the white part of the eyes so yellow in a newborn baby?
Newborn babies with yellowing of the whites of the eyes may have the following possible causes:
1. Physiological jaundice: This is the most common cause, usually due to abnormal metabolism of bilirubin in newborns. Physiological jaundice typically appears 2–3 days after birth and can resolve spontaneously around 14 days postpartum, generally requiring no specific treatment.
2. Infection: Newborns have relatively low resistance. If bacteria infect and multiply in the body, they may destroy red blood cells, leading to excessive bilirubin production and yellowing of the whites of the eyes. In such cases, doctors may recommend treatment with antibiotics or other medications.
3. Hypoxia: Newborn hypoxia may cause ischemia and hypoxia of liver cells, leading to impaired bilirubin metabolism and yellowing of the whites of the eyes. Oxygen therapy may be required during treatment.
Please note that the above are only possible causes, and a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan must be determined by a physician based on the baby's specific condition.