Colic (intestinal pain, pediatric)

Abdomen | Paediatrics | Colic (intestinal pain, pediatric) (Disease)


Description

Some babies go through a period of having unexplained and regular crying each day. This usually happens between the first period of two weeks and 16 weeks. These episodes of crying may last for three hours or more and occur mostly in the afternoons and evenings. The baby seems to be suffering from abdominal pain. Colic can affect around one in three babies. Usually, parents try to cuddle to soothe the baby’s cry but this does not work.

Causes and Risk factors

Colic is a condition that affects some babies during their first three to four months of life. It is characterized by the rule of three: crying for at least three hours per day, more than three days per week, and for three weeks duration or more. It can be very stressful and frustrating to parents. Colic usually begins suddenly, with loud and mostly continuous crying.

Diagnosis and Treatment

An infant with colic cries is irritable, and often has a rigid abdomen and draws up its legs. Overfeeding, undiluted juices, food allergies, and stress can aggravate colic. Colic usually lasts from early infancy to the third or fourth month of age.

Treatment can include dietary changes, carefully measured feedings, and extra burping. Parents should not assume that new abdominal pain and loud crying in their baby are colic. It is important for the baby to be seen by a physician to rule out more serious conditions. ...