Jaundice in Children

Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing in the skin and eyes, caused by an increase of the byproduct of old red blood cells, called bilirubin. It typically affects babies and children. Jaundice is considered a symptom instead of a disease by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and is used to help doctors diagnose other diseases such as hepatitis or a number of blood diseases.

Cause

• According to FreeMD, elevated bilirubin levels cause jaundice in children. It is caused by an increased breakdown of red blood cells, poor bilirubin processing by the liver or a blockage in the liver that prevents the flow of bilirubin.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of jaundice include yellow skin, yellow eyes, brown colored urine and itching. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weakness or fatigue, confusion, and pain in the upper right abdominal area.

Other Factors

• Conditions that cause jaundice include autoimmune hepatitis, biliary atresia, Gilbert syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrom, Crigler-Njjar syndrome, hemolytic anemia and malaria. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), hepatitis A, B, C, D and E also cause jaundice in children.

Treatment

• Because jaundice is a symptom of other diseases, the physician treats the underlying condition instead to stop jaundice. Some treatments include vitamin B supplements, antihistamines, a liver disease diet, surgery or other medications.

Warning

• Children who experience the following symptoms need medical attention: constant vomiting, worsening jaundice or abdominal pain, dry mouth or eyes, increased brown or dark urine, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bloody red or black stools, and a fever over 100.4 degrees F.