Is there a relationship between a child's crying and jaundice?
My baby was just born, and the doctor said he has a little jaundice. He often cries and fusses at night. Is the baby's crying related to the jaundice?
There may be a relationship between infant crying and jaundice. Jaundice is a common symptom in newborns, primarily characterized by yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes, which is caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the body. Physiological jaundice generally does not cause infant crying; aside from possibly mild loss of appetite, infants with physiological jaundice typically do not exhibit other clinical symptoms. Pathological jaundice, caused by underlying diseases, may lead to infant discomfort and thus cause crying. Additionally, if jaundice is severe, it may affect the infant's nervous system, resulting in more pronounced crying and irritability.
Regarding the relationship between infant crying and jaundice, parents should closely monitor the infant's jaundice, including its severity, duration, and whether it is accompanied by other symptoms. If jaundice worsens or lasts longer than expected, prompt medical attention is necessary for the doctor to evaluate the cause and severity of jaundice and provide appropriate treatment. When infants are crying, parents should attempt to comfort them using methods such as gentle patting, holding, or singing lullabies to help soothe their emotions. At the same time, maintain a comfortable indoor environment and avoid excessively noisy or bright surroundings that may overstimulate the infant.