21/09/2020
Jaundice in Children
The term jaundice is defined as the yellowish discolouration of the skin, and sclera( white part of the eyes),caused by the the increase of bilirubin in the blood. In newborns, this increase can be physiological or pathological. Causes of pathological jaundice can be due to infections, blood disorders, hereditary diseases or congenital abnormalities. What happens is that the level of this product called bilirubin increases to a fatal level which can lead to permanent damage of organs especially the brain. Many Mothers must have experience this disorder in their children, and most cases would have resolved spontaneously or after a simple exposure to ultraviolet light. The few unfortunate children would go on having a permanent brain damage called Kernicterus or may have even led to death.
It is very important to have a baby in a reliable facility where the mother and baby will be managed and observed adequately. But for those without the luxury of proper healthcare, more focus should be placed on these young infants so as to detect early enough for signs of yellowness of the skin and Sclera.
Early precaution like this would save you a life time of dealing with a child with neurological defect.
