What Should I Do If a Newborn Has Excessive Yellow Eye Discharge?
After the birth of a baby, many parents will carefully check their baby's physical condition. Some parents may notice that there is a lot of eye discharge in their baby's eyes, which is yellow and sticky, and worry that their baby may have an eye disease. However, it is actually a normal phenomenon for newborns to have eye discharge. If it persists after a few days, a hospital visit for a secretion test can be arranged to determine if there is a bacterial infection.
Here are some possible reasons for eye discharge in newborns:
1. Heatiness: If a newborn drinks too little water, they may be prone to heatiness. This can lead to the formation of eye discharge, which is yellow and sticky, often covering the baby's eyes. While this can be concerning for mothers, it can be managed by consuming more foods that help to cool the body, which can then be passed to the baby through breastfeeding.
2. Nasolacrimal duct blockage: If the eye discharge in a newborn is yellow and sticky and only appears on one side, it may be due to a blockage in the nasolacrimal duct. Tears help to keep the eyes moist and are normally drained into the nasal cavity through the nasolacrimal duct. If the drainage is obstructed, the tears accumulate in the eye area, and after evaporation, a sticky substance remains, which we see as eye discharge.
3. Inverted eyelashes: As a newborn's eyelashes grow, they may sometimes grow inward, rubbing against the eyeball and causing the production of inflammatory substances, which manifest as eye discharge. In this case, mothers need to clean the area regularly, and as the child grows, the inverted eyelashes will gradually disappear.
4. Bacterial infection: During the birth process, newborns may contract certain bacteria from the mother's vagina, causing inflammation in the eye area. Additionally, if the environment surrounding the newborn is not clean, it can also lead to bacterial infections and excessive eye discharge. Since most newborns are breastfed, it is important for the mother to maintain a healthy diet, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Drinking goldenrod tea or offering it directly to the baby can help to reduce heatiness and improve the condition.
It is also important to avoid overdressing newborns, as this can lead to heatiness and increase the risk of eye discharge. Ensuring that the baby is dressed appropriately and not overburdened with thick blankets or clothing is crucial for their comfort and health.
