Myths about neonatal jaundice
JAUNDICE is a condition whereby the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellowish, due to a high level of bilirubin in the blood.
Bilirubin is a yellow substance normally produced when old red blood cells are broken down. About half of all Asian newborns are affected by neonatal jaundice the first few days of life.
A common treatment is by phototherapy, where the newborn is placed under a special blue light, which helps to break down excess bilirubin.
Doctors may also recommend the therapy to be done at home. In severe cases, a blood exchange transfusion may be needed to prevent brain damage.
There are many misconceptions linked to jaundice. Here are the facts behind some of the widely believed myths:
Myth: Neonatal jaundice is caused by food, drugs, pregnancy conditions or inherited from the mother.
Fact: Based on current science, there is absolutely no link between these factors and neonatal jaundice. Jaundice is also highly unlikely to be passed down from mother to child.
Myth: Neonatal jaundice is harmless and does not need any attention.
Fact: Most of the time, neonatal jaundice is harmless, but parents should always be concerned and keep track of the bilirubin level to prevent it from getting worse. There are certain conditions like blood group incompatibilities, G6PD deficiency and neonatal infections that can cause severe increase in the jaundice. There are also surgical abnormalities in the liver system that will cause jaundice.
Myth: Jaundice can be treated with sunlight therapy.
Fact: This is not advisable, as it is not effective and may be dangerous. A newborn may become dehydrated when placed under the sun, making the condition worse. Direct sunlight and UV rays can cause painful sunburn to the thin newborn skin.
Myth: Feed newborns with water to “flush out” the jaundice.
Fact: Sometimes, newborns who are exclusively breastfed may have prolonged jaundice, but it is not a reason to stop breastfeeding or to supplement with water. As long as breastfeeding mothers are not taking traditional medicine and the baby is healthy and gaining weight, exclusive breastfeeding should be continued. In fact, mothers are recommended to nurse newborns at least eight to 12 times a day during the first few days to tackle jaundice.
Myth: Newborns afflicted with jaundice may get it later in life.
Fact: Most neonatal jaundice cases are physiological and only happen during the first few days of life. Jaundice that manifests later in life has no link with neonatal jaundice, and needs to be investigated separately.
As common as it may be, neonatal jaundice can still lead to severe complications if not managed and treated properly.
If your newborn appears yellowish, the paediatrician will do a blood test to measure his bilirubin level. Treatment will depend on the bilirubin level and the underlying cause, if not physiological.
■ This article is contributed by KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital consultant paediatrician, Prof Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail.
KKLIU No.2329/2018