Baby colic

Colic is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week for at least a three-week duration in an otherwise healthy child.[8] It is most common around six weeks of age and gets better by six months of age.[8] By contrast, infants normally cry an average of just over two hours a day, with the duration peaking at six weeks.[8] With colic, periods of crying most commonly happen in the evening and for no obvious reason.[1] Associated symptoms may include legs pulled up to the stomach, a flushed face, clenched hands, and a wrinkled brow.[8] The cry is often high pitched (piercing).[8]

The cause of colic is generally unknown. Fewer than 5% of infants who cry excessively turn out to have an underlying organic disease, such as constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lactose intolerance, anal fissures, subdural hematomas, or infantile migraine.[8] Babies fed cow's milk have been shown to develop antibody responses to the bovine protein, causing colic.[11][12] Studies performed showed conflicting evidence about the role of cow's milk allergy.[8] While previously believed to be related to gas pains, this does not appear to be the case.[8] Another theory holds that colic is related to hyperperistalsis of the digestive tube (increased level of activity of contraction and relaxation). The evidence that the use of anticholinergic agents improve colic symptoms supports this hypothesis.[8]

Psychological and social factors have been proposed as a cause, but there is no evidence. Studies performed do not support the theory that maternal (or paternal) personality or anxiety causes colic, nor that it is a consequence of a difficult temperament of the baby, but families with colicky children may eventually develop anxiety, fatigue and problems with family functioning as a result.[8] There is some evidence that cigarette smoke may increase the risk.[1] It seems unrelated to breast or bottle feeding with rates similar in both groups.[13] Reflux does not appear to be related to colic.[14]

Colic is diagnosed after other potential causes of crying are excluded.[8] This can typically be done via a history and physical exam, and in most cases tests such as X-rays or blood tests are not needed.[8] Babies who cry may simply be hungry, uncomfortable, or ill.[15] Less than 10% of babies who would meet the definition of colic based on the amount they cry have an identifiable underlying disease.[16]

Cause for concern include: an elevated temperature, a history of breathing problems or a child who is not appropriately gaining weight.[8]

"Red flag" indicating that further investigations may be needed include:[17]

• Vomiting (vomit that is green or yellow, bloody or occurring more than five times a day)
• Change in stool (constipation or diarrhea, especially with blood or mucous)
• Abnormal temperature (a rectal temperature less than 97.0 °F (36.1 °C) or over 100.4 °F (38.0 °C)
• Irritability (crying all day with few calm periods in between)
• Lethargy (excess sleepiness, lack of smiles or interested gaze, weak sucking lasting over six hours)
• Poor weight gain (gaining less than 15 grams a day)

Problems to consider when the above are present include:[17]

• Infections (e.g. ear infection, urine infection, meningitis, appendicitis)
• Intestinal pain (e.g. food allergy, acid reflux, constipation, intestinal blockage)
• Trouble breathing (e.g. from a cold, excessive dust, congenital nasal blockage, oversized tongue)
• Increased brain pressure (e.g., hematoma, hydrocephalus)
• Skin pain (e.g. a loose diaper pin, irritated rash, a hair wrapped around a toe)
• Mouth pain (e.g. yeast infection)
• Kidney pain (e.g. blockage of the urinary system)
• Eye pain (e.g. scratched cornea, glaucoma)
• Overdose (e.g. excessive Vitamin D, excessive sodium)
• Others (e.g. migraine headache, heart failure, hyperthyroidism)

Persistently fussy babies with poor weight gain, vomiting more than five times a day, or other significant feeding problems should be evaluated for other illnesses (e.g. urinary infection, intestinal obstruction, acid reflux).[18]

Management of colic is generally conservative and involves the reassurance of parents.[8] Calming measures may be used and include soothing motions, limiting stimulation, pacifier use, and carrying the baby around in a carrier,[8] although it is not entirely clear if these actions have any effect beyond placebo.[8][19] Swaddling does not appear to help.[1]

Infants who are colicky do just as well as their non colicky peers with respect to temperament at one year of age.[8]

Colic affects 10–40% of children,[1] occurring at the same rate in boys and in girls.[13]

The word "colic" is derived from the ancient Greek word for intestine (sharing the same root as the word "colon").[32]

It has been an age-old practice to drug crying infants. During the second century AD, the Greek physician Galen prescribed opium to calm fussy babies, and during the Middle Ages in Europe, mothers and wet nurses smeared their nipples with opium lotions before each feeding. Alcohol was also commonly given to infants.[33]

In past decades, doctors recommended treating colicky babies with sedative medications (e.g. phenobarbital, Valium, alcohol), analgesics (e.g. opium) or anti-spasm drugs (e.g. scopolamine, Donnatal, dicyclomine), but all of these are no longer recommended because of potential serious side-effects, including death.

• Baby colic at Curlie

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