Phototherapy is a common treatment for newborns who suffer from jaundice, a condition where a baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes appear yellow. This yellowing happens because of a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. In most newborns, the liver isn’t fully developed, so it can’t remove bilirubin efficiently. Phototherapy is a simple and effective way to help reduce bilirubin levels.
This article will explore why phototherapy is needed for newborns and the role it plays in their recovery. We will look at the causes of jaundice, how phototherapy works, and the benefits it offers to newborns. Understanding phototherapy can help parents feel more confident when their baby requires this treatment.
What is Jaundice in Newborns?
Jaundice is common in newborns, affecting about 60% of full-term babies and up to 80% of preterm babies. It occurs when there is a build-up of bilirubin in the baby’s blood, causing the skin and eyes to appear yellow. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. It is normally processed by the liver and removed from the body through stool and urine. However, in newborns, the liver is often immature and doesn’t process bilirubin as efficiently as it should.
There are different types of jaundice in newborns:
Physiological Jaundice: This is the most common type and occurs due to the natural breakdown of red blood cells. It usually appears on the second or third day of life and resolves on its own as the liver matures.
Breastfeeding Jaundice: Some newborns may not get enough milk during the first few days, which can lead to dehydration and higher bilirubin levels.
Breast Milk Jaundice: This occurs in some breastfed babies after the first week of life. It is usually harmless and resolves on its own over time.
Pathological Jaundice: This type is caused by underlying health issues, such as blood group incompatibility or liver disease, and may require medical intervention.
Phototherapy is used to treat jaundice by helping to break down excess bilirubin in the blood.
How Does Phototherapy Work?
Phototherapy uses light to treat high bilirubin levels in a newborn. Special lights, usually blue light, are used to help the baby’s skin break down bilirubin into a form that can be easily excreted in the urine. This process is called photodegradation. The baby is placed under the light for several hours, typically in a hospital setting, though portable phototherapy units are also available for home use.
The light does not eliminate bilirubin completely but helps to convert it into a water-soluble form, making it easier for the baby to excrete it through the urine. The bilirubin level decreases as the baby’s body eliminates the substance.
There are two main types of phototherapy:
Conventional Phototherapy: This is typically done in a hospital. The baby is placed under a special light source and exposed to the light for hours at a time. The baby’s eyes are covered to protect them from the bright light.
Intensive Phototherapy: This type of phototherapy uses higher-intensity light. It can be done in the hospital, and the baby may need to stay under the lights for longer periods of time. Intensive phototherapy is often used for babies with more severe jaundice.
Both types of phototherapy are effective at lowering bilirubin levels, but the choice of treatment depends on the severity of the jaundice and the baby’s overall health.
Benefits of Phototherapy for Newborns
Phototherapy has several benefits for newborns with jaundice.
Effective Treatment: Phototherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat jaundice in newborns. It helps to reduce bilirubin levels quickly, preventing complications that could arise from untreated jaundice.
Non-Invasive: Unlike other treatments for jaundice, phototherapy is non-invasive. The baby does not need to undergo surgery or take any medication. It simply requires the baby to be exposed to light for a few hours each day.
Prevents Complications: If jaundice is not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems, such as brain damage. Phototherapy lowers the risk of these complications by reducing bilirubin levels to safe levels.
Safe and Well-Tolerated: Phototherapy is generally safe for newborns and is well tolerated. It is commonly used and has a long history of success in treating jaundice.
No Long-Term Side Effects: Most babies who receive phototherapy for jaundice recover fully without any long-term health effects. After the treatment, bilirubin levels return to normal, and the baby’s liver functions more effectively.
When is Phototherapy Needed?
Not every newborn with jaundice will require phototherapy. The decision to use phototherapy depends on several factors:
Bilirubin Levels: If the baby’s bilirubin levels are too high, phototherapy will be recommended. Doctors use a blood test to measure bilirubin levels and determine if treatment is needed.
Age of the Baby: The younger the baby, the more likely they are to develop jaundice. Preterm babies may require phototherapy sooner than full-term babies because their livers are less developed.
Overall Health: Babies with other health conditions, such as infections or blood group incompatibilities, may require phototherapy sooner and for longer periods.
Severity of Jaundice: In cases where jaundice is mild, the baby may be monitored without phototherapy. However, if jaundice becomes more severe, phototherapy is often the next step.
In most cases, jaundice improves with phototherapy within a few days. Babies are closely monitored during treatment to ensure their bilirubin levels decrease and that they are comfortable.
Side Effects of Phototherapy
While phototherapy is generally safe, there are some potential side effects to consider. Most side effects are mild and temporary:
Skin Rash or Dryness: Some babies may develop a rash or dry skin from being exposed to the light for extended periods.
Temperature Regulation: Babies may experience changes in body temperature during phototherapy. Their temperature will be monitored closely to ensure they do not become too hot or too cold.
Diarrhea: Some babies may have more frequent bowel movements during phototherapy. This is a normal side effect as the body works to eliminate bilirubin.
Eye Protection: Babies receiving phototherapy will have their eyes covered to protect them from the bright light. This may make some babies feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary to protect their eyes from potential damage.
Dehydration: Prolonged exposure to phototherapy can cause dehydration in some babies, so it is important that they are well-hydrated and fed regularly.
While these side effects may sound concerning, they are usually temporary and do not pose long-term risks to the baby’s health.
Conclusion
Phototherapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment for newborns with jaundice. It helps reduce high bilirubin levels in the blood, preventing potential complications such as brain damage. The treatment is commonly used in hospitals and, in some cases, at home.
Jaundice is common in newborns, and while it can be distressing for parents, phototherapy offers a quick and effective solution to ensure the baby’s health and well-being. If your baby needs phototherapy, it is important to trust your healthcare provider’s advice and know that this treatment is widely used with a high success rate.
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