Parent guide

Jaundice in Children

Jaundice is yellowing of the skin or eyes caused by increased bilirubin. Beyond the expected newborn period, it can be linked to liver inflammation, bile-flow problems, infection, medicines or increased breakdown of red blood cells. Dark urine, pale stool, abdominal swelling or illness increase urgency.

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Common signs

What parents may notice

  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Dark urine
  • Pale or clay-coloured stool
  • Itching
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Poor appetite or vomiting
  • Fever
  • Pallor or unusual tiredness
Possible reasons

What can cause it?

Possible causes include viral hepatitis, other infections, gallbladder or bile-duct problems, medicine effects, inherited conditions and haemolysis. Newborn jaundice follows a different pathway and needs age-specific assessment.

When to book

When should your child be assessed?

  • Yellowing appears beyond the newborn period
  • Urine is dark or stool is unusually pale
  • Jaundice persists or worsens
  • There is abdominal pain, itching or poor growth
  • Blood tests show abnormal bilirubin or liver enzymes
Urgent warning signs

When to seek immediate care

  • A child with jaundice who is very sleepy or confused
  • Severe abdominal pain or repeated vomiting
  • Bleeding, marked weakness or collapse
  • A newborn with increasing jaundice or poor feeding
  • Jaundice with fever in a very unwell child
At the specialist visit

How the concern may be evaluated

  • Bilirubin and liver blood tests
  • Blood-count and haemolysis review
  • Medication and infection history
  • Ultrasound or additional testing when indicated
  • Hepatology or haematology coordination
Prepare

What to do before the visit

  • Bring all liver and blood reports
  • List medicines and supplements
  • Note urine and stool colour changes
  • Bring newborn records if relevant
Clinical owner
Relevant Lavender Lane paediatric speciality
Location
Sector 90, Noida
Last updated
August 2026
Questions parents ask

The real questions, answered.

Not what we wish you'd ask. What you're actually thinking when you find this page.

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Is all jaundice caused by hepatitis?

No. Jaundice can result from several liver, bile-flow and blood-related causes.

Why does stool colour matter?

Very pale stool can suggest reduced bile reaching the intestine and needs prompt medical review.

Can medicines cause jaundice?

Some medicines and supplements can affect the liver, so share a complete list with the clinician.

Which specialist evaluates jaundice?

A paediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologist often leads liver-related evaluation, with haematology input when red-cell breakdown is suspected.

Is newborn jaundice different?

Yes. Newborn jaundice has age-specific thresholds and should be assessed promptly through a neonatal or paediatric pathway.

Persistent symptoms deserve a clear next step.

Speak with Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology or contact our team to organise the right starting point.

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