Definition:

Colic refers to intense and inconsolable crying episodes by infants that start within few weeks of life and can last up to 3 months of age. Most colic improves by 4 months of age.

• Crying episodes usually happen at around the same time of the day, usually in the afternoon or evenings without any apparent cause and the baby is hard or impossible to console during these episodes. During these episodes the infant may curl up his legs, tighten her abdominal muscles and clench her hands. The infant may pass a bowel movement or pass gas at the end of these episodes.
• There are several theories for the causes of colic, and they vary from food intolerance such as milk sensitivity to the infant’s temperament and family’s stress level.
• The infant needs to be seen by a provider if there are worrying symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, fever, crying lasting more than 3 hours or if the colic symptoms start before two weeks of age or last beyond 3 months of age.

Treatment:

Environment/Lifestyle/Diet

• Check to make there is nothing else wrong with the baby
• Use a warm pack on the infant’s belly and gently massage the belly
• Use movements such as rocking motion, riding in a car seat etc.
• Use music or sounds to calm the baby
• Do not expose the infant to secondhand smoke

Diagnosis & Treatment Considerations

• Diagnose and treat food sensitivities in the infant such as lactose intolerance
• Diagnose and treat food sensitivities in the mother if breastfeeding

Mind-Body

• Respond to baby’s cries quickly
• Get support
• Use stress reduction methods for parents
• Supplements such as gripe water, chamomile, mint, fennel, etc. can help in the treatment of colic.

Other Treatments

Specific medications and supplements, tailored to each patient, can help in the treatment of this condition.

Please contact us for an appointment to discuss appropriate evaluation and treatment.