Babies born prematurely are less likely to be able to process bilirubin because their livers are not sufficiently developed. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Babies whose blood type is incompatible with the mother’s type – known as ABO Incompatibility – may be born with higher levels of bilirubin in their blood. If the baby is significantly bruised during birth, the breakdown of red blood cells may increase bilirubin levels. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Babies can develop “breast milk jaundice” for two reasons: the presence of certain proteins in the mother’s milk, or the baby not receiving enough milk, which leads to dehydration. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Some babies can have liver, blood or enzyme problems or other medical problems that can lead to elevated bilirubin. Also, babies can have an infection which can cause elevated bilirubin. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Since latching and sucking problems can cause the infant to receive less breast milk, consider enlisting the aid of a lactation consultant who is trained to help mothers feed their babies. [10] X Research source Feeding the baby more often will encourage bowel movements, which eliminate bilirubin. [11] X Research source If increased breastfeeding does not reduce bilirubin levels, your pediatrician may direct you to supplement the baby’s diet with formula or expressed breast milk. [12] X Research source
The baby will wear soft eye patches to protect their eyes from the light. They are also able to wear a diaper during the therapy. The baby will likely have loose, frequent, and possibly greenish bowel movements as a side effect of phototherapy. This is normal and should end when the treatments have stopped. [15] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source While direct, natural sunlight can help lower bilirubin levels, it is not recommended as treatment. It is too difficult to measure and control both the level of sunlight exposure and the baby’s body temperature during exposure. [16] X Research source
The biliblanket consists of woven fiber-optic material that is placed directly against the baby fully expose the infant to light. It allows the baby to be held and nursed without interrupting the treatment. [18] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source The biliblanket may cause the baby’s skin to look bleached or reddened, but this is actually part of the treatment process that will resolve when bilirubin levels are lowered. [19] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source
Adults can develop what is called “unconjugated jaundice” when the problem occurs before bilirubin is produced. This is most often caused by reabsorption of a large blood clot or by hemolytic anemia. [20] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source During the production of bilirubin, adults can develop jaundice as a result of viruses such as hepatitis and Epstein-Barr, autoimmune disorders, and overconsumption of alcohol or certain medications including acetaminophen, oral contraceptives, and steroids. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If the adult develops jaundice because of problems after bilirubin production, the problem may lie in the gallbladder or pancreas. [22] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Jaundice is often accompanied by other symptoms, which may help your doctor determine the cause: Short term jaundice, which is caused by infection, may be accompanied by chills, fever, abdominal discomfort, or other flu-like symptoms. Jaundice caused by cholestasis – the interruption of the flow of bile – may be accompanied by itching, weight loss, darkened urine, or lightened stools. [25] X Research source
Gilbert syndrome is a genetic liver disorder. Patients have a reduced amount of the liver enzyme needed to break down bilirubin. Although present from birth, symptoms, which include jaundice, fatigue, weakness, and gastrointestinal discomfort, may not appear until young adulthood. [26] X Research source Crigler-Najjar disease is an extremely rare condition that is also caused by an enzyme deficiency. There are two types of this disease; the more common one, called Arias’ syndrome, can be treated so that patients can live a normal or near-normal lifespan. [27] X Research source People with sickle cell anemia or other blood disorders also have a higher risk of jaundice.
By leaving excess fat in liver cells. This condition is known as fatty liver disease. Many people who have this condition do not experience symptoms, but those who do may experience discomfort and fatigue. [28] X Research source By causing scarring and inflammation of the liver. These symptoms may indicate alcoholic hepatitis. Additional symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Alcoholic hepatitis can sometimes be reversed by abstaining from alcohol. [29] X Research source This can also be caused by viral hepatitis or autoimmune hepatitis. By disrupting the functioning of the liver. Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by severe scarring of the liver and disruption of its ability to process food and to remove harmful substances from the blood. [30] X Research source
Foods that are high in fiber are particularly good for the liver, including fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Certain foods are more likely to damage the liver, including those high in fat, sugar, or salt. Other foods that may damage the liver include fried food and raw or undercooked shellfish.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for everyone starting shortly after birth. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for certain high-risk people or those traveling to high-risk areas. If you are traveling to areas of the world with high rates of hepatitis, get vaccinated before leaving. Hepatitis can also be contracted through risky behaviors such as intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. [32] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Some alternative medicines thought to improve liver health and function have actually been linked to liver damage. Consult your doctor before taking alternative medicines. Some of the commonly used herbs that can damage your liver include green tea[33] X Research source , kava, comfrey, mistletoe, Chaparral, and skullcap. [34] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source The liver is responsible for breaking down medications, and it is possible for them to cause damage during this process. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used over the counter medication that can damage the liver. [35] X Research source
