Colic

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/colic/article_em.htm

 

Colic Overview

Doctors have yet to discover the causes of infant colic, described as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby. A fussy, crying, colicky baby is inconsolable, and the crying is not due to hunger or pain.

Medical experts define colic as crying lasting more than 3 hours a day, 3 times a week. A baby may establish a daily pattern of crying, such as early morning or evening. For new parents, this situation can be extremely frustrating. The condition affects up to 20% of newborns.

Colic Causes

Some researchers speculate colic may originate in a baby’s intestines, although there is no defined cause.

Others believe the cause may be environmental. For several years, mothers believed certain milk formulas were the cause of colic. Recent evidence suggests avoidance of cow's milk for certain infants. Switching to a whey hydrolysate formula may prevent the formation of colic.

Colic Symptoms

Crying usually begins suddenly. The baby also may do one of the following:

• Arch its back
  
  


• Extend its legs
  
  


• Clench its fists
  
  


• Redden its face
  
  


• Belch or spit up excessively after feeding, which may relieve symptoms
  
  


• Pass gas
  
  


• Have difficulty passing stools

 

When to Seek Medical Care

If the baby’s symptoms suggest other causes, such as fever or excessive sleepiness, seek medical attention. You should also see a doctor if the excessive crying causes you or other family members extreme frustration and anger.

Colic in itself is not a medical emergency. Colic is a diagnosis made when all other causes are ruled out. If you suspect other conditions may be causing irritability and pain in your infant, go immediately to a hospital's emergency department.

Exams and Tests

A doctor will assess your baby to rule out other causes for crying, such as an infection or an intestinal condition. Once other causes are ruled out, the diagnosis of colic can be given.

Colic Treatment

Self-Care at Home

There are no sure-fire treatments, but you may try the following:

• Use a pacifier.
  
  


• Gently rock the infant using a rocking chair or lap.
  
  


• Softly massage the infant’s abdomen or back.
  
  


• Play relaxing music (even if it works just for the parent!).

Medical Treatment

Treatment often entails reassurance by the doctor. The doctor also may recommend these treatments:

• Simethicone drops (Maalox, Gas-X, Mylanta, Phazyme) may relieve gas.
  
  


• Ensure a quiet, nonstimulating environment when colic begins.
  
  


• Change the baby's diet and feeding techniques. Breastfed babies may benefit if the mother avoids dairy products, especially if prone to allergies, or resort to a hypoallergenic diet. Other suggestions include eliminating spicy foods, raw vegetables, and caffeine.
  
  


• Try an alternative to milk-based formulas. Recent studies suggest that switching from milk-based formulas may lessen the incidence of colic.
  
  
  
  
  
  • Whey-based formulas, such as Carnation Good Start, contain already broken-down proteins that may be more easily digestible.
    
    
  
  
  • Soy-based formulas, such as Isomil and Enfamil ProSobee, may decrease the duration of colic symptoms.
    
    
  
  
  • Hypoallergenic formulas, such as Enfamil Nutramigen and Alimentum, are thought to reduce colic symptoms in bottle-fed babies. They are more expensive than other formulas.

Outlook

Although colic can be a frightening experience for new parents, it is not a dangerous condition for your child. An infant often will outgrow the condition after age 3 months, usually with no permanent problems.