Final answer:
Early onset jaundice, also known as breastfeeding-associated jaundice, refers to the yellowing of the skin and eyes in breastfed newborns due to excess bilirubin in the blood. It can be caused by insufficient milk intake leading to decreased excretion of bilirubin. Phototherapy is a common treatment to help reduce bilirubin levels in newborns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Onset Jaundice (Breastfeeding-Associated Jaundice)
Early onset jaundice, commonly known as breastfeeding-associated jaundice, typically occurs in the first week of life in breastfed newborns. It may be related to insufficient milk intake, leading to decreased bowel movements and thus less bilirubin being excreted through stool. Jaundice is characterized by a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, which is a result of excess bilirubin in the blood. While a certain level of jaundice is normal in newborns, high levels of bilirubin, which is neurotoxic, can be harmful as they might cross the immature blood-brain barrier and lead to conditions like kernicterus. To help reduce the bilirubin levels and the risk of hyperbilirubinemia, phototherapy using UV light is commonly used, taking advantage of bilirubin's photo-degradation properties.