Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Treatments?

Often, indirect jaundice - the type seen in most infants - does not require treatment; it will disappear in a day or two. Doctors will test the baby's bilirubin levels during that time to make sure it has not gotten worse.

In rare cases, bilirubin levels become too high very quickly. Special blood tests will help determine the cause - possibly an infection, a liver problem at birth, a blood problem, or a problem related to breastfeeding.

Since low amounts of milk during breastfeeding can be a cause, new mothers are advised to increase the frequency of feeding so more milk will be produced. Occasionally, it may be necessary to give babies a formula supplement to breastfeeding.

In severe cases, phototherapy - light treatment - is used to get rid of the bilirubin to prevent brain injury. Phototherapy is conducted with a lamp called a bili-light or with a bili-blanket. Your baby is naked during the treatment so that as much skin as possible is exposed to light. Eyes are covered to prevent damage from ultraviolet rays. Extra feedings may be necessary because of the excess water loss that can occur through the skin.

Blood transfusions are often necessary when the mother's blood type is different from the baby's, which leads to excess bilirubin production from breakdown of red blood cells.