How Do You Treat Elevated Bilirubin?
An elevated bilirubin level marks a problem with the liver, the organ that cleanses the body of toxins. A newborn’s liver may not be able to process all the old red blood cells (bilirubin), and a yellow tinge to the skin develops. Exposing the baby to natural sunlight was historically what was done to improve the condition and is still recommended by some if the jaundice is mild. Current treatments include phototherapy, drug therapy and blood transfusion. Consider usingg phototherapy, the least invasive procedure. This treatment is administered by a Bili-blanket, a device prescribed by a neonatologist or pediatrician. The equipment consists of a fiber-optic blanket, cabling and a box that serves as a light source. The blanket is placed on the baby, who is preferably clad only in a diaper, so that as much of the skin is exposed to the blanket’s surface area as possible. Avoid covering the baby’s eyes with the pad. The blanket can be worn under clothing if necessary. Consider treating th
