How to Diagnose Jaundice

Jaundice is a medical condition caused by a liver malfunction. It is basically a problem involving the excretory system. It is common among newborn babies. At least 90 percent of newborns develop jaundice. In adults, it can be a sign of serious illness.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay careful attention to the skin color of your newborn baby. If you notice a yellow tint to his skin or a yellow color in the white part of her eyes, this can be a way to diagnose jaundice. Physiological jaundice is common in infants and not serious. It usually begins on the second or third day after birth. It is usually gone within 7 to 10 days.

• 2

  Press your fingertip against your baby's forehead or on the tip of his nose as a way to diagnose jaundice. If the skin appears white when you remove your fingertip, everything is okay. If you notice a yellowish tint to the skin when you lift your finger, call your doctor.

• 3

  Notice certain combinations of symptoms in either newborns or adults in order to diagnose jaundice. Yellowish tint to the skin or whites of the eyes along with yellow mucus discharge, abdominal pain, dark yellow urine or pale-colored bowel movements and seeming more tired than usual can add up to jaundice.