Dr. Kiran Kumar G, Paediatrician

1. What are the symptoms of jaundice among babies?

Jaundice is the yellowish discoloration of the skin and white of the eyes (sclera)

2. Why it will come to the baby?

Jaundice is common in newborn babies because babies have a high number of RBCs in their blood, which are broken down. Broken RBC Produces Bilirubin. High Bilirubin causes yellowish discoloration of skin and sclera.

Reason

• High RBC in the blood
• Less Life span of RBC, so faster turnover, high bilirubin
• Immature Liver (so it is less effective in removing bilirubin from the blood).

3. Jaundice is harmful to babies?

Jaundice is the commonest condition in a Newborn. (preterm) will have jaundice (80%) and term around 60%. There are standard charts, the doctor will refer to these charts Most of the time if it is not in the treatment range it will resolve on its own. sometimes if the bilirubin comes in the treatment range then babies will be treated by phototherapy lights and exchange transfusion in (severe cases). If jaundice is not treated properly it can cause Kernicterus, in simple terms it means brain damage from jaundice which can lead to death and disabilities like cerebral palsy, deafness, intellectual disability, etc.

4. Why it will cause babies?

The causes of ABO incompatibility.

• G6PD deficiency.
• Neonatal sepsis.
• Prematurity.
• Rhesus incompatibility.
• Breastfeeding jaundice.
• Breastmilk jaundice

Common causes of constipation are

1. Formula-feed babies (which is harder to digest than breast milk). When using the formula, always use the amount of powder recommended on the packaging. Using too much powder can make your baby constipated and may cause dehydration.
Dehydration
lack of fluids.
Lack of fiber
such as fruit, vegetables, and cereals) in their diet.

 Tips to relieve constipation at home:

1. Gently move their legs like they are riding a bicycle – this can help get things moving.
2. gentle tummy massage
3. In bottle-feed babies try to give some extra water in between feeds only, If your baby's age is more than 6 months.
4. Fibre-containing diet - apples, pears, and prunes are particularly good for constipation.

In spite of all these if constipation is not relieved then organic causes need to be evaluated, please visit the Doctor. 

If untreated it may lead to

Hemorrhoids
Fissures
Rectal ulcers
Urinary retention
Bowel obstructions
Fecal impactions
Megacolon
Volvulus
Fissure in ano