How to test jaundice in children at home

Jaundice is a phenomenon that occurs in many children. Jaundice is mainly divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is the easiest to subside, as long as proper nursing work is done; however, pathological jaundice requires not only proper nursing work but more importantly, timely medical treatment, otherwise it will have many adverse developmental effects on the child. So. How to detect jaundice in children at home?

1. What is physiological jaundice in newborns?

Physiological jaundice usually appears about 2-3 days after birth. Due to the bilirubin metabolism characteristics of newborns, that is, excessive production of bilirubin after birth and low metabolism and excretion capacity, the bilirubin level in the blood increases. About 50% to 60% of full-term infants and 80% of premature infants experience temporary, mild jaundice, which is called physiological jaundice.

2. What is neonatal pathological jaundice?

Pathological jaundice appears relatively early, usually around 24 hours after the birth of the newborn. It is more severe and lasts for a long time, more than 2-4 weeks, and the condition remains serious.

3. Characteristics of physiological jaundice

Physiological jaundice usually occurs in full-term newborns 2-3 days after birth and reaches its peak at 4-5 days. The severity of jaundice varies. Jaundice appears first from the sclera, face, neck and then spreads to the trunk and limbs. Newborns generally have no discomfort.

4. The degree of physiological jaundice

The degree of physiological jaundice in newborns can be divided into three types: mild, moderate and severe. Mild symptoms include jaundice on the face only, moderate symptoms include jaundice on the trunk, and severe symptoms include jaundice on the limbs and the palms and soles of the feet. Generally, premature infants have low plasma albumin and more immature liver metabolic function, so the jaundice is more severe and disappears more slowly, and can last up to 2 to 4 weeks.

5. Subsidence time of physiological jaundice

Normal neonatal physiological jaundice takes about 7-10 days to subside, and no longer than 2 weeks. For premature infants with more severe jaundice, the subsidence time may be slightly longer. If pathological jaundice persists for more than 3 weeks, parents should seek medical attention promptly.

6. Methods to reduce physiological jaundice

In the early stages, we need to feed the newborn as soon as possible so that the meconium can be excreted as soon as possible, because the meconium contains a lot of bilirubin. Another point is to give the newborn enough water. The way to judge whether the newborn's fluid intake is sufficient is to look at the newborn's urine. Generally, a normal newborn urinates 6-8 times a day. If the number is less than that, it is possible that his fluid intake is insufficient. Too little urination is not conducive to the excretion of bilirubin.