Is it useful for newborns with jaundice to take probiotics?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on November 09, 2024
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Probiotics are useful for newborn jaundice. After oral administration of probiotics, they help establish a normal gut microbiota in babies and then reduce the enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin, which aids in the treatment of jaundice. Common probiotics, often referred to in layman's terms as live bacteria, include species like Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium, or Lactobacillus, among others. These probiotics are available in pharmacies. Generally, for newborns, especially those who are breastfed and do not recover well from jaundice, oral probiotics can have a therapeutic effect on reducing jaundice, so it is suitable for newborn babies to consume certain probiotics.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 21sec home-news-image

Causes of recurrent neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom that appears in the normal development process, or it may be a manifestation of certain diseases. Generally, neonatal jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Typically, physiological jaundice gradually increases to a certain level and then subsides, and does not recur. If the jaundice recurs, or if it significantly increases after decreasing, or reappears after subsiding, it is definitely pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice has many possible causes, commonly including infections, hemolysis, or other genetic metabolic diseases, or some red blood cell disorders, all of which can affect the recurrence of jaundice. Therefore, if the jaundice recurs, it is advisable to visit a hospital. A neonatologist will conduct relevant examinations based on the baby's condition to confirm if it is pathological jaundice. The cause should be clearly identified for targeted treatment, followed by symptomatic treatment, and timely intervention is necessary.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 2sec home-news-image

Can newborns with jaundice drink water?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, especially in the early stages. It can be categorized into physiological and pathological jaundice. If it is early-stage neonatal jaundice, the general condition of the infant is still good, but the progression of jaundice can be quick with noticeable reduction in urine and stool output, and dry skin may occur, possibly due to insufficient feeding. At this point, it is necessary to strengthen feeding. If the mother's breast milk is clearly insufficient, or the baby hardly gets any milk from breastfeeding, then supplemental feeding is required. Usually, supplemental feeding primarily involves formula feeding, and generally, babies are not given water because both breast milk and formula provide sufficient hydration. Hence, it is generally recommended not to give water to newborns with jaundice; instead, simply increase feeding.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 16sec home-news-image

Neonatal jaundice bath Chinese medicine

Neonatal jaundice is called "fetal jaundice" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It primarily refers to infants born with jaundice as the main symptom, characterized by yellowing of the skin and facial area. This condition is related to prenatal constitution, hence it is also known as fetal jaundice or fetal dyspepsia. The causes of fetal jaundice are divided into internal and external factors. Internal factors involve the fetus being affected by the toxins of damp-heat or the evil of deficient-cold and damp-cold from the mother. External factors mainly include the baby being affected by damp-heat or cold-damp evils during or after birth, with damp-heat evils being more common. The main affected organs are the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach, with the key pathogenic mechanism being prenatal damp retention. Commonly used Chinese herbal baths for neonatal jaundice, particularly suitable for damp-heat type jaundice, are generally selected based on the specific conditions of the child, adjusting formulas like Yinchenhao Tang to tailor to the exact pattern of the baby.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
48sec home-news-image

Is it useful for newborns with jaundice to take probiotics?

Probiotics are useful for newborn jaundice. After oral administration of probiotics, they help establish a normal gut microbiota in babies and then reduce the enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin, which aids in the treatment of jaundice. Common probiotics, often referred to in layman's terms as live bacteria, include species like Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium, or Lactobacillus, among others. These probiotics are available in pharmacies. Generally, for newborns, especially those who are breastfed and do not recover well from jaundice, oral probiotics can have a therapeutic effect on reducing jaundice, so it is suitable for newborn babies to consume certain probiotics.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
2min 2sec home-news-image

How to treat neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is the most common phenomenon during the neonatal period and generally falls into two categories: physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. As the name suggests, physiological jaundice is a normal physiological phenomenon. It typically appears in full-term babies on days 2-3, peaks on days 4-5, and gradually decreases around day 7, and completely subsides within two weeks. This type does not require intervention as the baby is generally in good condition and usually does not need treatment. Jaundice that appears early, progresses quickly, is severe, or lasts a long time is considered pathological jaundice. The diagnosis of pathological jaundice is generally made by a doctor. It is recommended that babies be monitored daily for jaundice within the first two weeks after birth. Based on the bilirubin levels, if it is high, it is advisable to seek a thorough examination from a neonatologist. Pathological jaundice requires timely intervention, especially considering liver function. If there is a significant increase in indirect bilirubin, this type of jaundice can be neurotoxic. Persistent high jaundice might affect the brain, so prompt intervention is necessary. Hospitalization for jaundice treatment will depend on the cause, and treatment will be symptomatic. The cause might be other pathological factors; removing the cause while treating the jaundice is the usual approach. Common treatment for high indirect bilirubin involves phototherapy. If conjugated bilirubin is elevated, the underlying cause might be more complex and treatment more challenging. Therefore, if jaundice is detected and there is uncertainty, it is advised to promptly visit a hospital for intervention by a neonatal specialist and necessary treatment.