Alternative Names
Hyperbilirubinemia – breast-feeding
Definition of Breast milk jaundice
Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and parts of the eyes to turn a yellow color.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is created as the body gets rid of old red blood cells. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.
Symptoms
Your child’s skin and whites of the eyes (sclera) will look yellow.
Signs and tests
Laboratory tests that may be done include:
Treatment
Treatment will depend on:
Expectations (prognosis)
Full recovery is expected with appropriate monitoring and treatment.
Review
Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 5/27/2009
