Treating Jaundice with Phototherapy
Phototherapy, also known as “light therapy,” is the exposure to ultraviolet or other forms of light using lasers, fluorescent lamps, or very bright, full-spectrum light to address medical issues, and has been proven useful for a wide range of conditions.
Babies born with jaundice are often treated with phototherapy. Jaundice, the most common condition that requires medical attention in newborns, is caused by a buildup of a pigment called bilirubin. In most infants, hyperbilirubinemia, or jaundice is a transitional phenomenon. However, in some infants the bilirubin levels may excessively rise, which is cause for concern as bilirubin is neurotoxic and can cause death in newborns. Phototherapy is used to help the body convert bilirubin, by bleaching, to material which can be excreted from the body, allowing the baby’s skin to return to a more usual color. Phototherapy for babies is usually conducted in a hospital immediately following birth, with medical staff monitoring for other medical issues.
There are several colors of light to consider for phototherapy in the treatment of jaundice green light penetrates the skin best, however it has not been shown to be more efficient than blue or white light. Green also tends to make babies look more sick and is unpleasant to work in, therefore has not gained widespread acceptance. Blue light, appears to work best, but causes discomfort to hospital staff which can be fixed with mixing blue and white tubes in the phototherapy units.
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29 04 2011 at 08:34 PM
No doubt, phototherapy is a efficient and effective treatment for these ailments along with peripheral neuropathy. It is non-invasive and brings quick relief to patients.