Physiological jaundice of the newborn, also known as neonatal or physiological hyperbilirubinemia, is a common condition that occurs in newborn infants shortly after birth. Jaundice, characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes, is triggered by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.
Physiological jaundice occurs in many healthy newborns, usually appearing within the first few days of life and resolving without treatment within a week or two. It is caused by the normal physiological processes of the newborn's body. During pregnancy, a baby's liver works to remove bilirubin from their bloodstream. However, after birth, the baby's liver takes some time to fully mature and function efficiently, leading to a temporary buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
The excess bilirubin that accumulates in the blood can cause the yellowing of the skin and eyes, often starting on the head and then spreading downward. Although this discoloration may seem alarming to parents, it is generally harmless and self-limiting. In many cases, the bilirubin levels in physiological jaundice do not reach high levels that could potentially cause brain damage.
To manage physiological jaundice of the newborn, pediatricians often recommend frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding to encourage bowel movements that help eliminate bilirubin from the body. In some cases, phototherapy, which involves exposing the baby's skin to special lights, may be used to help break down the bilirubin more rapidly.
Overall, physiological jaundice of the newborn is a transient and benign condition that resolves naturally as the infant's liver matures and bilirubin levels stabilize within a few weeks after birth
