There's no single answer to "how much jaundice is okay" because it depends on several factors, including the baby's age, overall health, and the cause of the jaundice. However, a bilirubin level of around 20 is generally considered the threshold where jaundice becomes harmful. Most cases of newborn jaundice are mild and resolve on their own within two weeks.
Understanding Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. The liver processes and eliminates bilirubin, but if this process is impaired, bilirubin levels rise, leading to jaundice. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/jaundice.aspx
Jaundice in Newborns
Jaundice is extremely common in newborns, affecting approximately 6 out of 10 babies. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/ In many cases, particularly in healthy, full-term infants, mild jaundice is harmless and resolves naturally within a week or two. http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/jaundice-in-babies However, high bilirubin levels can be harmful, and monitoring is essential. About 80 percent of babies exhibit visible jaundice. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/jaundice-in-newborn-infants-beyond-the-basics/print
- Mild Jaundice: Often resolves without treatment.
- Severe Jaundice: Requires medical attention, potentially including phototherapy or other interventions.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild jaundice is common and usually resolves on its own, it's crucial to contact a healthcare professional if:
- Your baby's jaundice is severe or worsening.
- Your baby is exhibiting other symptoms, such as lethargy, poor feeding, or fever.
- Your baby is premature or has other health conditions.
A blood test will measure the bilirubin level to determine the severity of the jaundice and guide treatment decisions. A bilirubin level around 20 or higher indicates a potentially serious situation requiring medical intervention. [Reference: Half of babies have some jaundice. Usually it is mild. The level of bilirubin that is harmful is around 20. Reaching a level this high is rare.30-Dec-2022]
Jaundice in Adults
Jaundice in adults can indicate various underlying liver or biliary conditions, requiring medical evaluation and treatment. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/manifestations-of-liver-disease/jaundice-in-adults In adults, there's no "safe" level of jaundice; any yellowing of the skin and eyes warrants a doctor's visit.
