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BABY COLIC

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BABY COLIC

Baby colic is a condition characterized by a prolonged period of intense and inconsolable crying for more than three hours at a time on at least three days a week, for at least three weeks in a rather healthy and well-cared-for baby.

  • The condition is very common affecting about one in every five babies.
  • It is normal for babies to cry. At six to eight weeks, babies normally cry for two to three hours a day but babies with colic cry suddenly for more period for no apparent reason and no amount of consoling can help make them better or bring any relief.
  • Colic starts within the first few weeks of life and may peak when the baby is about six weeks but decline significantly after three to four months.
  • The onset of crying is usually in the evening or late afternoon.
  • According to experts, colic has no long-term effect and a baby with colic will feed normally and gain weight.
  • It occurs at the same rate in boys and girls.
  • Managing colic in a baby is very stressful as it may cause depression as well as contribute to exhaustion and stress in the parents.

CAUSES

The causes are unknown, but colic may result from different contributing factors. Including:

  • Undeveloped digestive system
  • Food allergies or sensitivity
  • Developing neurological system
  • Infant acid reflux
  • Tobacco exposure especially during pregnancy
  • An infantile migraine
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Family stress or anxiety

SYMPTOMS

  • Intense and inconsolable crying that may seem more like crying or an expression of pain.
  • Flushed face
  • Crying with clenched fists, stiffened legs, stiffened arms, arched back, or a tight stomach
  • Crying for no reason, not because of hungry or the need for a diaper change
  • Irregular and interrupted sleep that occurs as a result of crying
  • Extreme fussiness even after crying has diminished

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The doctor will carry out a complete physical examination to determine the exact cause of the baby’s distress. The doctor will:

  • Measure the height, weight and the baby’s head circumference
  • Listen to sounds in the heart, lungs, and abdomen
  • Examine the limbs, fingers, toes, eyes, ear, and genitals
  • Assess the baby’s reaction to touch and movement
  • Look for signs of rash, allergies, inflammation or infections.

If the doctor suspects an underlying cause, laboratory tests or scans may be needed

TREATMENT

The primary aim of treatment is to soothe the baby as much as possible.

Soothing strategies may help. Some may work better at a particular period but not at another while some may work better than others. Soothing strategies that you can try may include:

  • Walking around or gently rocking the baby
  • Using a pacifier
  • Giving the baby a warm bath
  • Taking the baby for a car ride or on a walk in a stroller
  • Swaddling the baby in a blanket
  • Rubbing the baby’s tummy
  • Dimming the light and limiting other visual stimulation
  • Playing a soothing sound

If soothing strategies are not working, your doctor may recommend a short-term trial change in diet

In mothers who are breastfeeding, the mother may try the diet without common food allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts and eat as well as irritating foods such as cabbage, onions.