Jaundice is surprisingly common in newborns: more than half of babies develop it in the first week after birth. But what causes this yellowing of the skin and eyes, and when should parents be concerned?
At Nie Lina MD PC in Brooklyn, New York, board-certified pediatrician Lina Nie MD, PhD, offers comprehensive newborn care, including jaundice screening and treatment. Dr. Nie also provides expert care for children and teens, where jaundice may signal a more serious condition.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or not, there’s always something new to learn. Let’s talk about jaundice, what it means at different ages, and how to make sure your child gets the best care possible.
Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is the natural byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, which the liver normally processes and eliminates from the body.
If the liver is damaged, or if there’s an excessive breakdown of red blood cells, bilirubin accumulates and causes that characteristic yellow tint.
Newborn babies’ developing livers often struggle to process bilirubin efficiently. This can lead to a temporary increase in bilirubin levels, which causes some yellowing in their skin and the whites of their eyes.
Hospitals and birthing centers typically check newborns for jaundice before they head home. But sometimes, it can develop or worsen in the first few days or weeks after you’re back. Keep an eye out for these signs:
Dr. Nie checks your baby’s bilirubin levels during each newborn care appointment, but don’t hesitate to reach out at any point if you have questions or concerns about their health. While most cases of newborn jaundice resolve within two weeks as their bodies process the bilirubin, prolonged high levels can lead to serious complications.
Jaundice in older kids and teens is less common, and it often indicates an underlying health issue.
Conditions like hepatitis, gallstones, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can disrupt the liver’s function, causing bilirubin to build up. Certain genetic disorders, like Gilbert’s syndrome, can cause mild, intermittent jaundice.
Luckily, older kids can usually tell you how they’re feeling more clearly, and their other symptoms can offer important clues. For example, hepatitis may present with nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, while EBV typically includes a fever and swollen lymph nodes. Gallstones can cause abdominal and back pain alongside jaundice.
If you spot jaundice or your child reports any unusual symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice from a trusted source like Dr. Nie. Call or book online to schedule an appointment at Nie Lina MD PC in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.
