Colic

Overview

Colic is a perplexing phenomenon characterized by frequent, prolonged, and intense crying or fussiness in otherwise healthy infants. Parents often find it particularly frustrating because the baby’s distress seems to occur without any apparent reason. Despite their best efforts, consoling the baby during colic episodes often proves challenging. These episodes tend to peak when the infant is around 6 weeks old and gradually decline after 3 to 4 months of age. While colic itself is not harmful, managing it can significantly stress parents as they navigate this challenging phase of early parenthood.

Types of Colic

1. Intense Crying: Colicky infants cry intensely, sometimes resembling screaming or expressing pain.
2. Unexplained Fussiness: Unlike crying due to hunger or discomfort (such as needing a diaper change), colic occurs seemingly without a clear trigger.
3. Predictable Timing: Colic episodes often strike in the evening, just when parents themselves are often fatigued.
4. Physical Signs: During colic, infants may exhibit facial discoloration (skin flushing or blushing) and body tension (stiffened legs, arms, clenched fists, arched back, or a tense abdomen). Occasionally, relief occurs after passing gas or having a bowel movement, likely due to swallowed air during prolonged crying.

Causes of Colic

The exact cause of colic remains elusive, but several contributing factors have been explored:

• Digestive System Development: An immature digestive system may play a role.
• Gut Microbiota Imbalance: Disruptions in healthy gut bacteria could contribute.
• Food Allergies or Intolerances: Some infants may react to specific foods.
• Feeding Practices: Overfeeding, underfeeding, or inadequate burping might influence colic.
• Early Childhood Migraine: A potential link exists, although more research is needed.
• Family Stress or Anxiety: Parental stress can affect the baby.

Risk Factors of Colic

Colic doesn’t neatly discriminate based on specific risk factors. Research hasn’t consistently identified differences related to:

• Gender
• Birth order
• Feeding method (breastfeeding vs. formula)
• Socioeconomic status.

Symptoms of Colic

Preventions of Colic

While colic can’t always be prevented, consider these strategies:

• Comfort Measures: Swaddle the baby, use white noise, and hold them upright during feedings.
• Parental Self-Care: Take breaks, seek support, and manage stress.
• Dietary Adjustments: If breastfeeding, explore potential food sensitivities in the nursing parent’s diet.

Diagnosis of Colic

Colic is primarily diagnosed based on symptoms. No specific tests exist for colic, but doctors rule out other conditions with similar presentations.

Treatment for Colic

• Time: Colic usually resolves spontaneously by 3 to 4 months of age.
• Comfort Measures: Swaddling, rocking, and soothing techniques.
• Consult a Doctor: If excessive crying persists or worsens, seek professional advice.

When to seek medical attention ?

For adults:

• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve.
• Fever exceeding 101.3°F (38.5°C) lasting more than three days.
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, intense sore throat, or severe headache. For children:
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) in newborns up to 12 weeks.
• Rising fever or fever lasting more than two days.
• Intense symptoms (headache, throat pain, cough, etc.) or trouble breathing.
• Ear pain, fussiness, or unusual drowsiness.
• Lack of interest in eating.