Will newborn jaundice cause the ears to turn yellow?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on November 20, 2024
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Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in neonates, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom of normal development in newborns, or it can be a manifestation of certain diseases. Jaundice is generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice, with the main symptom being the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes. Typically, jaundice starts from the face and then spreads to the trunk and limbs. If the degree of jaundice is relatively severe, yellowing will appear on the entire body, including the ears. Generally, if the baby is visibly yellow, it is advisable to monitor the jaundice. If the jaundice value is significantly high and confirmed to be high in the blood, it is considered pathological jaundice, and it is recommended to seek timely intervention and treatment.

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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 15sec home-news-image

Why does neonatal jaundice recur?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions in newborns, especially in early-born infants. If a baby has jaundice, it is important to determine whether it is physiological or pathological jaundice. If it is physiological, the jaundice will not appear too early or be too severe, and will gradually subside on its own within a certain period, typically without recurrence. If the jaundice decreases or has already subsided and then reoccurs, be vigilant for pathological jaundice. The causes of pathological jaundice are numerous and depend on the increase in bilirubin. If direct bilirubin is elevated, liver and biliary diseases should be suspected. If indirect bilirubin is elevated, it may indicate pathological factors causing destruction of red blood cells, leading to an increase in jaundice. Therefore, if there is recurring jaundice, it is advisable to seek timely medical attention at the hospital.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can neonatal jaundice be effectively treated?

Neonatal jaundice refers to the development of jaundice involving the whole body's skin and mucous membranes in newborns. For physiological jaundice in newborns, it can heal naturally. For pathological jaundice in newborns, with active treatment, including phototherapy, etiological treatment, and when necessary, administration of medications such as albumin and globulin, the more severe cases may require blood exchange treatment. Through the aforementioned treatments, neonatal jaundice can be effectively managed, so parents need not worry. If you notice jaundice in your child, actively take them to the hospital to cooperate with the doctor's treatment. In most cases, a satisfactory treatment outcome can be achieved. Parents can be reassured in this regard. (Please follow the guidance of a specialist for specific medications and do not medicate on your own.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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neonatal jaundice safe value

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period; it can be a normal physiological phenomenon or an external manifestation of certain diseases. Generally, about 80% of full-term infants can be visibly seen having yellow-tinted skin. There is a normal range for monitoring jaundice. For full-term infants, this should not exceed 6 within the first 24 hours after birth, not exceed 9 within 48 hours, not exceed 12 within 72 hours, and not exceed 15 after 72 hours. If these values are exceeded, it is advisable to visit a hospital, where a pediatrician can conduct relevant examinations based on the infant’s specific condition. If pathological jaundice is diagnosed, timely intervention and treatment are necessary.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Causes of neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is usually considered a normal phenomenon, where the baby's jaundice can naturally recede without much impact on the baby. If it is pathological jaundice, it means that the jaundice level is high, indicating a pathological condition. Pathological jaundice can be further divided into several types, the most common being elevated direct bilirubin and elevated indirect bilirubin, each with different causes. Common causes of jaundice include increased indirect bilirubin due to infections, hemolysis, and mother-infant blood type incompatibility, such as ABO incompatibility where the mother is type O and the baby is not, or the mother has HR-negative blood and the baby has HR-positive blood. Other factors include reduced thyroid function, enzyme deficiencies such as G6PD deficiency, various types of bleeding like gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, or asphyxia at birth. Conditions like hypoxia or acidosis in the baby can also lead to increased jaundice. Additionally, liver function damage due to viral infections like hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, and other infectious diseases such as syphilis, as well as other viruses like rubella virus and herpes virus can elevate jaundice levels. Developmental abnormalities of the biliary tract, commonly biliary atresia or congenital bile duct dilation, can cause elevated conjugated bilirubin levels. The causes of jaundice are complex, and some causes might remain unidentified. However, if the baby's general condition is good and the jaundice is manageable, it generally does not affect the baby. If jaundice levels are high, it is advised to visit a hospital where doctors can conduct relevant tests based on the baby's specific condition to determine if treatment is needed.