The lights used to treat babies with jaundice may cause diarrhea, rash, overheating, and dehydration. If a transfusion is needed, infection may occur. All medications have potential side effects. These may include allergic reactions, stomach upset, and others. Specific side effects depend on the drugs used.
Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and reactions to the pain medicines used.
This depends on the underlying cause. The underlying cause may be treated or resolve on its own, causing the jaundice to go away. In this setting, no further treatment may be required and people can usually return to normal activities. In other cases, the underlying condition cannot be fixed. This is common with severe, permanent liver damage or cancer.