It is an illness that involves the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Likewise, this color change is caused by increased bilirubin in the blood. It is a disease, but it can also be a sign of another serious illness. Hence, it is very common in babies and children. A person can experience it when the liver is unable to process the bilirubin. Mostly, babies experience it when the liver is not yet fully develop. The good thing is that there are available jaundice treatments for all ages.
1. Diagnosis
After delivery, the baby and the mother can leave the hospital after 72 hours. However, parents need to bring their baby back for a check-up. A baby needs a check-up between 3 to 7 days right after birth. It is the time when the bilirubin level can increase.
A simple physical exam can confirm the illness. Therefore, yellowish skin and eyes are the signs. However, a doctor may request for some tests like blood and others. It is done to find out if there other illnesses.
2. Treatment in babies
Naturally, it can go away on its own without any jaundice treatment. It will happen when the liver of the baby starts to develop. It is also good to feed the baby between 8 to 12 hours to release it inside the body. For serious cases, it may need some treatment.
Moreover, phototherapy is most of the time given to babies. It is a bed with a blue light. The baby needs to lay down on the bed without clothes, only a diaper and a goggle for eye protection.
For a more serious case, it may need a blood transfusion to replace damaged blood. It is also one of the most effective high bilirubin treatments.
3. Prevention in Babies
There is no definite way to solve it. However, a mother can choose to go through a blood test. After giving birth, a blood type and jaundice test to know if there is a problem leading to this health problem. In case a baby already has it, there are ways to prevent it from worsening.
- Breast milk is an effective high bilirubin treatment. It is good to feed the baby 8 to 12 times a day to ensure enough liquid in their body. It will help the baby to pass through it.
- However, mothers without breast milk can feed their babies with formula milk every 2 to 3 hours. It is good to talk to the doctor for any recommendation for the best formula milk.
- Also, it is vital to monitor the baby’s condition from day 1 to 5.
Home Remedies
4. Sunlight
Aside from the bed with blue light, natural light from the sun can treat it. According to studies, it is six times more effective in treating the illness.
5. Lemon Oil
An essential oil from the lemon can protect the body from liver problems. Therefore, it is very effective, especially in adults who develop it. Aside from that, it is the best source of Vitamin E.
How to use it:
- You may need 12 drops of lemon oil for every 30 ml of carrier oil.
- After that, make sure to mix it thoroughly and apply it in your abdomen around the liver area.
- Leave the oil until it s absorb by the skin.
- You can do this once every day.
6. Goats milk
This type of milk is rich in nutrients can is good for adults and babies to treat the illness. Hence, it is good to drink a cup of goat’s milk every day as part of your diet.
7. Grape Juice
Furthermore, drinking grape juice is good for liver health and digestion as well. Additionally, it has liver-friendly ingredients that can treat it. However, ask your doctor before giving it to babies.
8. Garlic
Once a jaundice test confirms that you have an illness, you can try garlic. You may choose to chew it fresh or add it to your daily meals. However, it is not for babies.
9. Ginger
Ginger is an ingredient in the food that is good for the liver and treats the illness. Hence, boiling ginger and drinking its juice is very useful.
