Jaundice can be fatal
If left untreated, jaundice can be fatal, says a local pediatrician, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Jaundice is a yellowish pigmentation of the skin, the conjunctive membranes over the whites of the eyes and other mucous membranes, caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the blood.
“Most babies get jaundice and it is not always bad,” he says.
According to the paediatrician, when the mother is pregnant the baby requires extra red blood cells to carry oxygen.
“Once the baby is born the extra cells needs to be broken down,” he explains.
“This naturally happens, but one of the by-products is higher levels of bilirubin.”
He says that babies are often screened for jaundice while they are still in hospital and before they are discharged.
“Depending on the level of jaundice, the doctor will decide if the baby needs treatment, often in the form of photo therapy,” he adds.
“Jaundice is normally detected by day two or three after birth.”
If the level of jaundice is too high, it could cause brain damage or death.
If the mother and baby are discharged on the same day as the birth, it is recommended that they visit a clinic or sister by day three to have the baby’s health seen to.
Other causes of jaundice include blood group problems and an infection in the blood or urine.
