Colic

Colic is sustained episodes of crying in a baby, for no apparent reason. Sometimes episodes last for several hours at a time.Colic usually begins within the first couple weeks of life, and is usually gone by the time a baby is about five months old.

Causes

The cause of colic is not known. Experts suggest that the following may contribute to Colic:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Excess energy at a time when babies don't have any other means to tire themselves
  • In breastfed babies ? allergy or sensitivity to foods in the mother's diet, such as:
    • Garlic
    • Caffeine
    • Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, etc.)
    • Beans
    • Dairy products
  • Gastrointestinal distress due to:
    • Feeding too briefly on one breast, then switching to the other breast. This gives them the higher-sugar foremilk without the rich, fatty hindmilk.
    • Allergy to formulas containing dairy
  • Medical conditions that may contribute to colic, such as:
    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    • Hernia
    • Intussusception
    • Ear infection
    • Kidney infection

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Lactose intolerance or milk-protein allergy
  • Sensitivity to foods eaten by a breastfeeding mother
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Hernia

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Loud, intense, inconsolable crying, sometimes for several hours at a time
  • Pulling up the legs toward the body
  • Tight or hard abdomen due to screaming
  • Burping and flatulence due to swallowing air while crying

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about the baby's symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will look for signs of other illnesses that may cause the colicky crying.

The following questions will help determine if the baby has colic rather than a more serious medical condition:
  • Is she eating well/normally?
  • Is she growing well?
  • Is she producing 5-8 very wet diapers each day?
  • Is she producing stool normally?
  • Is she having colic-free periods?
  • Does she have a fever?

Treatment

There are no treatments for colic, other than the passage of time. The Colic should stop by the time a colicky baby is about 5 months old. Taking care of a baby with Colic can be very frustrating and upsetting. You'll have to try lots of different remedies. What works during one episode of Colic may not work the next time. If you feel that you are getting frustrated or angry, put the baby down safely in the crib until you feel that you are in control again.

The following remedies may soothe a colicky baby:
  • If you're breastfeeding:
    • Avoid caffeine, cruciferous vegetables, beans, and garlic.
    • Consider eliminating dairy products from your diet to see if the Colic improves.
    • Consider working with a lactation consultant to learn about techniques to ensure that your baby is getting plenty of hindmilk, and not too much foremilk.
  • If you're bottlefeeding, ask your doctor about switching to a nondairy formula.
  • Burp your baby well after feedings.
  • Ask your doctor about gas drops (simethicone).
  • Make sure your baby isn't too warm or too cold.
  • Swaddle your baby with a soft blanket.
  • Try skin-to-skin contact.
  • Hold your baby close, and bounce gently or walk.
  • Rock your baby.
  • Put the baby on his tummy on your lap.
  • Pat your baby's back.
  • Put a warm water bottle or heating pad set to low on your lap, and put your baby on his tummy on the warmth.
  • Play soft music.
  • Wear your baby in a baby sling or other safe baby carrier.
  • Give your baby a warm bath, or take your baby into a bath with you.
  • Let your baby use a pacifier.
  • Take your baby into the bathroom, and let him listen to the water running in the sink.
  • Learn baby massage.
  • Put your baby in a safe baby swing.
  • Go for a stroller walk.
  • Go for a car ride.
  • Consider asking for help from family or friends, or hiring a sitter to come in and give you time to rest.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing Colic because the causes are not well understood.