Bilirubin is a yellow pigment created during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. This substance is processed by the liver and eventually excreted from the body. When bilirubin levels become elevated, it can lead to a condition called jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Elevated bilirubin may signal an underlying health issue that requires attention.
Addressing High Bilirubin in Newborns
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, largely because their livers are not yet fully mature and efficient at processing bilirubin. This temporary inefficiency can cause the pigment to accumulate in the blood. In most cases, this condition, known as physiologic jaundice, resolves on its own within two to three weeks as the baby’s liver develops.
A primary strategy for managing newborn jaundice is to increase the frequency of feedings. Whether breastfed or formula-fed, more frequent meals encourage more frequent bowel movements. Since bilirubin is eliminated through stool, increasing the output helps clear the excess pigment more quickly. For breastfed infants, this may mean nursing 8 to 12 times a day.
In cases where bilirubin levels are moderately or severely high, doctors often recommend phototherapy. During this treatment, the baby is placed under a special lamp that emits light in the blue-green spectrum. This light is absorbed by the baby’s skin and changes the structure of the bilirubin molecules, converting them into a form that can be more easily excreted in urine and stool. All treatments for newborn jaundice must be supervised by a pediatrician.
Medical Treatments for High Bilirubin in Adults
In adults, treatment for elevated bilirubin focuses on diagnosing and addressing the root cause. These causes can be grouped into three categories: issues within the liver, blockages in the bile ducts, and conditions that lead to the rapid destruction of red blood cells.
Liver-related problems, such as viral hepatitis or cirrhosis, can impair the liver’s ability to process bilirubin. For viral hepatitis, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to combat the infection and allow the liver to heal. If a medication is causing liver dysfunction, discontinuing or changing the drug may resolve the issue.
Bile duct blockages prevent bilirubin from being properly excreted. Gallstones are a common cause of such obstructions. Depending on the situation, a doctor might recommend a surgical procedure, often done laparoscopically, to remove the gallstones or other blockages. For conditions like hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed too quickly, treatments may involve medications to manage the underlying disorder.
Supportive Dietary and Lifestyle Habits
While diet and lifestyle changes are not direct cures for high bilirubin, they can support liver health and reduce the strain on the organ. Staying well-hydrated is fundamental, as water helps the liver and kidneys flush out toxins, including bilirubin.
A diet that supports the liver should be rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Fiber, particularly soluble fiber found in foods like oats and legumes, aids in moving bile and bilirubin out of the liver. Lean proteins, such as fish and tofu, are also recommended over fatty or processed meats. Including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants that can help protect liver cells from damage.
Certain substances should be avoided to protect the liver. Alcohol is particularly damaging as it can destroy liver cells and lead to conditions like fatty liver disease or cirrhosis. It is also advisable to limit the intake of processed foods, which are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt.
Recognizing When to See a Doctor
It is important to seek medical attention if you or your child displays symptoms of high bilirubin. Other general symptoms that can accompany high bilirubin levels include dark or brown-colored urine, pale or clay-colored stools, and persistent itching of the skin.
In adults, additional signs that warrant a doctor’s visit include unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, and fever. The sudden onset of these symptoms or severe pain should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.
For newborns, parents should watch for jaundice that worsens or spreads, especially to the arms and legs. Other concerning signs in infants include poor feeding, lethargy or extreme sleepiness, and high-pitched crying. If a newborn shows any of these symptoms, it is important to contact a pediatrician right away for proper diagnosis and care.