What Exactly Is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin, the whites of the eyes (sclera), and mucous membranes. This yellowing is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood — a pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.

Understanding the Process Behind Jaundice

• Old Blood Cells Break Down
  

• • Our bodies are always making and recycling red blood cells.
    
  • When these cells get old, they break down — and one of the things that’s left behind is bilirubin.

• The Liver’s Job

• • The liver takes this bilirubin and changes it into a form that can leave the body.
    
  • It’s like the liver is a filter or a cleaning station — it makes the bilirubin safe to get rid of.

• Getting Rid of It

• • After the liver processes it, bilirubin leaves the body through poop and pee.
    
  • That’s why baby poop has a yellow or brown color — it’s partly from the bilirubin.

🟡 But if the liver isn’t working well yet (like in newborns), or if there’s too much bilirubin being made too quickly, the body can’t get rid of it fast enough.
So, the extra bilirubin builds up and causes the skin and eyes to look yellow — that’s jaundice.

Causes of Jaundice in Childrene

The causes of jaundice vary with age group, especially in neonates vs. older children.

In Newborns

In Older Children

 

Symptoms of Jaundice in Children

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Dark urine
• Pale or clay-colored stools
  
• Poor feeding or lethargy (especially in neonates)
  
• Irritability or high-pitched crying
  
• Weight loss or failure to thrive
  
• In severe cases, neurological symptoms (from bilirubin encephalopathy/kernicterus)

 

🩺 Treatment Options for Jaundice in Children

👶 In Newborns (Neonatal Jaundice):

 

💡 Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

 

Most common treatment for newborn jaundice.

 

The baby is placed under special blue lights that help break down bilirubin in the skin, so it can be removed more easily by the body.

 

The baby wears eye protection, and the therapy is usually done in the hospital, though sometimes it can be done at home.

 

🍼 Feeding Support

 

More frequent feeding (breast or formula) helps the baby poop and pee more — which helps remove bilirubin.

 

Lactation support might be needed if the baby isn’t feeding well.

 

💉 Intravenous (IV) Fluids

 

Sometimes used if the baby is dehydrated or not feeding enough.

 

🔁 Exchange Transfusion (Severe Cases)

 

Rare but used if bilirubin levels are dangerously high or not responding to phototherapy.

 

A small amount of the baby’s blood is replaced with donor blood to quickly lower bilirubin levels.

 

🏥 Treating the Cause

 

If jaundice is caused by a condition like Rh or ABO incompatibility, infections, or metabolic disorders, those will be treated alongside the jaundice.

 

👧 In Older Infants and Children

 

🦠 Treat the Underlying Condition

 

Hepatitis → Antiviral or supportive treatment.

 

Liver or bile duct problems (like biliary atresia) → May need surgery or specialized liver care.

 

Hemolytic anemia (if red blood cells are breaking down too fast) → May need medications or blood transfusions.

 

🧪 Medications (for specific conditions)

 

In rare inherited conditions like Crigler-Najjar syndrome, special medications or even liver transplant may be considered.

 

Steroids or immune-modulating drugs in autoimmune conditions.

 

🩺 Monitoring Only (Mild Cases)

 

If the child is otherwise healthy and jaundice is mild, doctors may recommend just monitoring bilirubin levels and watching for symptoms.

 

Jaundice in Children in The Heights: Homero Garza, Your Trusted Pediatric Centre

We know how scary it can be to see your little one’s skin or eyes turning yellow. As a parent, you just want to be sure they’re healthy, comfortable, and getting the right care.

At Homero Garza Pediatrics, we offer gentle, expert care for jaundice and other newborn and childhood conditions. Whether your baby needs phototherapy, testing, or just a check-up for peace of mind, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Come visit us — let’s work together to keep your child healthy and thriving. Call us today or book an appointment online.

Your child’s health is our top priority.