Home Treatment for Hyperbilirubinemia

Hyperbilirubinemia, or newborn jaundice, is a common condition of excess bilirubin in the blood. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it usually does not require treatment. In some cases, hospital or home treatment of hyperbilirubinemia may be necessary.

Identification

• Home treatment of hyperbilirubinemia consists of phototherapy and proper hydration. Phototherapy breaks down bilirubin in the skin and frequent feedings encourage bowel movements that remove bilirubin from the body.

Significance

• Treating hyperbilirubinemia at home allows the newborn to be discharged from the hospital sooner, which decreases cost of care while allowing a better bonding environment between baby and mother.

Types of Phototherapy

• Bililights are lights that the newborn is placed under with as much skin exposed as possible. A bili-blanket is a special pad containing tiny lights that the baby lies on top of and is swaddled in when picked up.

Precaution

• A baby receiving home treatment for hyperbilirubinemia requires his eyes to be loosely covered when bililights are turned on. Every three to four hours, the lights may be turned off and the eye mask removed for 15 to 20 minutes.

Warnings

• According to Children's Mercy Hospital, phototherapy can cause dehydration and overheating. The baby's temperature should be checked every three to four hours and he should be observed for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth and not wetting diapers.