Jaundice Disease

Jaundice is typically found in infants and is most easily recognized by the yellow tint it causes. Jaundice is a fairly common condition and treatment is often not necessary.

Causes

• Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product of red blood cells, in a baby's body. This can be a result of liver malfunction or internal bleeding, though it's a common occurrence with a baby's small liver and high rate of blood cell production.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of jaundice typically appear within the first four days of life and typically appear as yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Risk Factors

• Complications that could result in jaundice are premature birth, breast feeding and any bruising during birth. If the mother's blood type is different from the baby's, this can also put him or her at risk for jaundice.

Treatments

• Jaundice typically disappears on its own, but in severe cases, phototherapy and blood transfusions are given to lower the amount of bilirubin in the blood.

Prevention

• The best way to prevent jaundice is by making sure that your baby is adequately fed. Infants should be fed between eight and 12 times per day.