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Jaundice is common in babies during their first week of life. It affects more than half of those who are born full-term, and up to four in five babies who arrive prematurely.
This condition occurs less often in children, but when it does, it can be a sign of a more serious health issue. Knowing the symptoms to look out for is important to the child’s health, no matter what their age.
Whether it’s jaundice, another illness or chronic condition, a mental health challenge, or simply needing a well-child exam, our expert pediatric specialists at Angel Kids Pediatrics provide comprehensive care for all your child’s medical needs. With 10 offices located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, getting care has never been easier.
Understanding jaundice
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, the substance created by the normal breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the bloodstream. It typically happens in newborns because their livers aren’t yet developed enough to be able to break down and excrete it properly.
In older children, jaundice is more likely to signal a health condition including a blockage in the bile duct, liver disease or damage, or a problem involving the breakdown of red blood cells.
4 Signs of jaundice
Jaundice can cause multiple symptoms, including:
1. Skin and eye yellowing
The most obvious sign of jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and/or the whites of the eyes. Pressing a finger gently on your child’s forehead or nose to see if the area looks yellow is one way to gauge the tint of their skin.
2. Changes in bodily fluids
Jaundice can cause urine to appear dark, instead of light yellow or colorless. Normal stools in babies are yellow, orange, green, or brown, depending on whether they’re breastfed or bottle fed; older children's stools should be brown. In those with jaundice, stool is often a pale color.
3. Weight issues
Babies with jaundice may not gain weight as expected, while children may suffer weight loss.
4. Feeling unwell
Jaundice can cause fatigue, abdominal pain, fever, and itchy skin. These symptoms may manifest themselves in babies through high pitched crying and being lethargic or hard to wake up. Children may complain of generally not feeling well, and be better able describe what’s wrong.
Jaundice diagnosis and treatment
A pediatrician checks for jaundice through a physical exam and bloodwork that measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Additional tests may be ordered if an underlying condition is suspected.
Treatment for jaundice depends on the cause. Mild cases in babies may resolve on their own after several weeks — though it’s always important to get an evaluation by a doctor.
More significant jaundice may need additional care such as increased nutrition, treatment with light therapy, or intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin. In rare and severe cases, babies may need to have small amounts of blood removed and replaced with donor blood.
In children with jaundice, treatment always depends on the underlying condition causing it.
Your partner in pediatric health
If your baby or child has yellow skin or eyes or other symptoms indicating they’re unwell, our Angel Kids Pediatrics team can provide treatment and support. Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island or Saint Johns, Florida, today.