What should be done if a newborn's jaundice does not resolve after 40 days?
Disease description:
The baby is already 40 days old. Jaundice appeared not long after birth, and the jaundice has persisted for several days without subsiding. I would like to ask what should be done if neonatal jaundice does not resolve?
If a newborn's jaundice does not resolve within 40 days, it may indicate pathological jaundice. The following are recommended solutions:
1. **Identify the cause of jaundice**: Take the newborn to the hospital for a comprehensive examination to determine the exact cause of jaundice.
2. **Assess jaundice levels**: Evaluate the severity of jaundice by measuring serum bilirubin levels.
3. **Medication**: Medications such as Yin Zhi Huang Granules may help promote bilirubin excretion and alleviate jaundice symptoms.
4. **Phototherapy**: For non-hemolytic jaundice, phototherapy is an effective treatment. Blue or green light therapy converts bilirubin into water-soluble substances that can be excreted via urine or bile.
5. **Exchange transfusion**: For infants with severe hemolytic jaundice, exchange transfusion may be necessary to rapidly lower serum bilirubin levels and prevent bilirubin encephalopathy.
6. **Surgical treatment**: If jaundice is caused by conditions such as biliary obstruction or biliary atresia, and if medication and phototherapy are ineffective, surgical intervention may be required to relieve the obstruction.