Neonatal Jaundice: Early Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Complications Explained

• Neonatal jaundice, a common newborn condition, causes yellowish skin and eye discoloration due to high serum bilirubin.
• While often physiological and resolving naturally, it can sometimes indicate serious underlying conditions requiring urgent treatment.
• Pathological jaundice, appearing within 24 hours or with rapid bilirubin increase, may be due to hemolysis or metabolic disorders.
• Risk factors include prematurity, ABO/Rh incompatibility, polycythemia, and family history.
• Diagnosis involves measuring serum bilirubin; phototherapy is the main treatment, and early breastfeeding helps prevent complications.