Jaundice treatment

Most adults do not require treatment for jaundice. If an underlying condition is causing the symptoms of discoloration, treatment of that condition will usually alleviate the yellowing skin and eyes associated with jaundice.

In newborns, mild cases of jaundice may also not require treatment. The condition will usually go away within 2-3 weeks, as the baby’s body is able to adapt to levels of bilirubin in the blood. However, for severe or persistent cases of jaundice, the following treatments may be recommended:

- Phototherapy: Light therapy - or phototherapy - involves placing your newborn under a special lamp that emits blue-green light. This is usually done on a special bed while the baby is wearing goggles to prevent the light from damaging developing eyes. The special blue-green light emitted during this therapy changes the structure of bilirubin molecules, making them easier to process in the liver.

- Immunoglobulin transfusion: Also known as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), this therapy is performed when jaundice is suspected to be caused by a blood incompatibility between mother and child. Immunoglobulin is a blood protein that reduces levels of antibodies - proteins produced to attack incompatible blood. This may lessen the symptoms of jaundice, as well as prevent other complications caused by blood type differences.

- Nutrition: Increasing the number of feedings a baby receives (8-12 a day for breastfeeding infants, 1-2 oz of formula every 2 to 3 hours for infants being bottle-fed) can help enhance nutrition and encourage more frequent bowel movements. More bowel movements help clear bilirubin from the blood through the stool. If increasing the number of feedings your baby receives does not adequately treat the condition, your doctor may recommend supplementation via formula to prevent weight loss and dehydration.