Phototherapy for Jaundice: How Light Treatment Works

Jaundice is caused by the build up of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the bloodstream due to poor or underdeveloped liver function. Phototherapy, or light treatment, is a commonly used treatment for this condition, especially with infants.

Function

• The blue and green lights used in phototherapy breakdown the bilirubin molecules into forms that can be easily excreted in stools and urine.

Effects

• Infants that are treated with phototherapy may have frequent bowel movements with a greenish colored stool.

Benefits

• Infant jaundice usually goes away on its own but using phototherapy to relieve the condition may mean the baby can go home earlier.

Features

• A row of lights is suspended over the completely undressed baby, to allow as much light as possible to enter the skin, although the eyes are covered and protected.

Considerations

• Not all cases of jaundice can be resolved through light therapy, intravenous transfers or even blood transfusions may be necessary in serious cases of jaundice.