In medicine, there are two types of jaundice - pathological and physiological. The most common is physiological jaundice, which occurs as a result of the massive breakdown of fetal hemoglobin in the bloodstream of the newborn. The causes of pathological jaundice are more often associated with incompatibility for the Rh factor of mother and child, pathology of the blood system, diseases of the biliary tract and liver parenchyma.
Physiological jaundice
Fetal hemoglobin differs significantly from adult hemoglobin and has a short life span. After birth, it breaks down very quickly, which leads to an increase in the quantitative indicators of direct bilirubin. As a result, the skin becomes jaundiced. Physiological jaundice begins on the third day after birth and persists for 3-5 days. Its course is not accompanied by a deterioration in the general well-being of the baby and has no consequences. In breastfed babies, jaundice passes faster, since milk, which has a laxative effect, allows the original feces, along with bilirubin, to leave the body as quickly as possible.
Pathological jaundice
Pathological jaundice occurs immediately after birth, bilirubin reaches such a level that it poisons the nervous system. The course of the disease is slow and requires medication. It often occurs in premature babies whose liver and internal organs are not mature enough. The child's body cannot cope with high levels of bilirubin.
Among the reasons, doctors call incompatibility according to the blood group or Rh factor of the mother and the child. In this situation, jaundice can develop immediately after birth. Microspherocytosis and sickle cell anemia are genetic disorders that lead to pathologies of the walls of erythrocytes, provoking their massive decay.
The most dangerous reasons are considered that do not allow full treatment - underdevelopment of the bile ducts and blockage of the bile ducts.
Consequences and treatment
Treatment of pathological jaundice should be timely and prompt. Otherwise, the disease has a negative impact on the heart, nervous system and digestive tract. High levels of direct bilirubin have a toxic effect on the brain, which leads to a weakening of reflexes, including sucking.
Mild physiological jaundice does not require treatment, especially if the baby is breastfed. After a week, the skin and sclera acquire a normal color. Long-term preservation of high levels of bilirubin requires the introduction of a safe method of treatment - phototherapy, which involves the use of a special device that emits light. The sun serves as a natural lamp; at home, the child is laid out under indirect sunlight.
