Can high bilirubin levels in children be physiological jaundice

Elevated bilirubin levels in children may indicate physiological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is more common in newborns, usually appearing 2-3 days after birth and subsiding within 7-10 days, and is related to temporary deficiency in bilirubin metabolism. If bilirubin levels continue to rise or are accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, pathological jaundice should be considered. The degree of bilirubin elevation in physiological jaundice is relatively mild, generally not exceeding a specific threshold, and is not accompanied by other abnormal manifestations. Skin and sclera yellowing are the main symptoms, but the child's mental state is good, breastfeeding is normal, and weight gain is stable. This condition does not require special treatment and can gradually subside by strengthening feeding to promote bilirubin excretion. Breastfeeded infants can increase their feeding frequency appropriately, while formula fed infants should ensure sufficient milk intake. The increase in bilirubin levels in pathological jaundice is more pronounced and lasts longer, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as darker urine color, lighter stool color, drowsiness, and milk refusal. This situation may be related to hemolytic diseases, abnormal development of the liver and gallbladder system, infections, and other factors. If bilirubin levels are too high and not intervened in a timely manner, there is a risk of bilirubin encephalopathy. For pathological jaundice, intervention measures such as phototherapy, drug therapy, or blood exchange should be taken after identifying the cause. When parents find that their child's jaundice persists or worsens, they should seek medical evaluation in a timely manner.

Parents need to observe daily whether the yellow staining range of their children's skin has expanded, record the feeding amount and changes in mental state. Avoid using jaundice reducing drugs or folk remedies on your own, and maintain sufficient indoor lighting to observe the degree of jaundice. If a child shows abnormal symptoms such as poor response, weak crying, and stiff limbs, they must seek medical attention immediately. Breastfeeding mothers can maintain a balanced diet without deliberately stopping breastfeeding, unless diagnosed with breast milk jaundice by a doctor.