| General
Illness Information |
Medical
Term: |
Colic in
Infants
|
|
Common
Name: |
None Specified |
| Description: |
Colic is a disorder in which an otherwise
healthy infant has severe and paroxysmal crying spells (usually
occurring in the late afternoon or evening).
| May occur 1-2 times per day, lasting 1-3
hours occurring more than 3 days per week. |
| Onset under 4 weeks of age and may
continue up to 5 months old. |
| More common in first
child. |
| Healthy child usually fine between bouts of
crying. |
| Baby usually consolable. |
| |
| Causes: |
Unknown. Usually seen in high needs
babies with sensitive temperaments and in a small percentage
may be related to milk allergy. |
| Prevention: |
No specific preventive measures. Remove
any causes that can be identified.
|
| Signs
& Symptoms |
|
|
| Risk
Factors |
 |
Physiologic predisposition in
infant | |
| Diagnosis & Treatment |
Diagnosis is generally made on history after the
physician has excluded other causes of crying and irritability
including inadequate feeding, over stimulation, sickness and a
milk allergy. Typically, a colicky baby eats and gains weight
well, seems very hungry and sucks vigorously.
|
| General
Measures: |
|
| Cuddle and rock your baby whenever he
cries, you can't spoil your baby in the first 3-4 months
of life e.g. use cradle, rocking chair etc. |
| |
|
Playing music may help. |
|
During an attack of colic hold baby securely
and massage lower abdomen. |
|
Offer baby a pacifier. |
|
Allow baby to cry once you are certain that
everything is alright e.g.. not hungry, diaper is dry,
etc.. |
|
Ask someone to take care of the baby to
relieve you as often as possible. |
|
Be patient and tolerant. Since colic is not
the parents' fault, do not blame
yourself. | |
| Medications: |
|
Medications are usually not helpful
for colic. Simethicone (for gas) may be
prescribed. | |
| Activity: |
|
No restrictions. | |
| Diet: |
|
Interrupt feeding to burp the
baby. |
|
Allow at least 20 minutes to feed
the baby. Don't prop the baby for feedings |
|
Nipple holes should not be too
large. |
|
Remove cow's milk from diet for a
one week trial | |
| Possible
Complications : |
|
None
expected. | |
| Prognosis |
| All babies cry, and many
have fussy periods. Crying is an important activity and means
of communication. Colic is a distressing, but not dangerous,
condition. The symptoms can sometimes be relieved. Colic will
usually disappear after the 3rd or 4th
month | |
| Other |
|
|
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