Welcoming a newborn baby into the family is a time of joy and excitement, but it can also come with its own set of challenges, such as coping with a colicky baby. Colic is a common condition that affects many babies, and it can be incredibly distressing for both parents and infants. In this blog, we will explore the signs and symptoms of colic, the possible causes of the condition, and various treatment options that can help soothe your baby's discomfort. By raising awareness about colic, we aim to provide support and guidance to families dealing with this challenging and often overwhelming condition.
Colic Causes
The proposed causes of colic historically have tended to focus on the immaturity of the child's intestinal tract and/or nervous system. Colic is nothing more than excessive crying. Excessive crying can be different for every parent. Some can listen to children cry for an hour or more and some parents cannot accept any crying.
Although colic can be due to many different reasons, the parental worry is often the “excess” that the child cries. It does NOT mean that your child has a gastrointestinal condition. Colic is very common. While much research has been focused on the topic, there is no consistent explanation as to the cause. Rather, most specialists hypothesize the cause to be multifactorial – a combination of genetic predisposition, neurodevelopmental immaturity, and possibly influenced by behavioral and social/cultural aspects.
Colic Symptoms & Signs
Crying may begin suddenly. Most parents report their infant's crying symptoms build to a crescendo during late evening and into the night. For unknown reasons, many babies will stop crying as abruptly as when they started. Colicky babies may have a host of behaviors (none of which are only limited to an episode of colic).
These may include:
- arching the back
- extending the legs
- clenching the fists
- reddening of the face
- belching or spitting up excessively after feeding, which may relieve symptoms
- passing gas having difficulty passing stools
When to Seek Medical Care
The diagnosis of colic is made by the characteristic history detailed above complemented by normal findings during a physical exam. We will examine the child and make sure there is no organic reason for the excessive crying. Colic is what is a "diagnosis of exclusion,” meaning all other pathologic conditions have been considered and found not to be of merit.
Other conditions which could mimic as colic are infection, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), milk protein (human or cow) allergy, and several relatively rare metabolic and intestinal conditions.
If the baby's symptoms are accompanied by a fever, excessive sleepiness, bloody stools, a tense abdomen, recurring vomiting (especially if bile is colored), or out-of-the-ordinary inconsolability, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Pure colic is not a medical emergency but it IS EMOTIONAL for parents. If you suspect other conditions may be causing irritability and pain in your infant, go immediately to a hospital's emergency department.
Colic Treatment
While there is no known cure for colic, there are several ways to soothe and comfort a colicky baby.
- Use a pacifier.
- Make sure you burp the child frequently during the feeding episode. If you wait til the child finishes an entire bottle, any swallowed air may go beyond the stomach and give abdominal pain.
- Swaddle your infant tightly.
- Gently rock the infant using a rocking chair or lap.
- Softly massage the infant's abdomen or back.
- Attempt the “Colic Carry” – See How To
- Play relaxing music (even if it works just for the parent!)
If these attempts are not helpful -- don't give up! Remember that every day your child is getting closer to outgrowing colic as it does decrease with age.
Benefit of Breastfeeding Colicky Baby
Breastfeeding has been shown to be beneficial for both the baby and the mom when it comes to colic. Breastfeeding also helps stimulate digestive enzymes in infants' intestines, which may help them digest food better and pass gas more easily (resulting in less gassy discomfort).
Pharmacologic Treatment
Simethicone drops (Maalox, Gas-X, Mylanta, Phazyme) may relieve gas. There are no documented studies indicating that excessive gas is a cause of colic. If you do use these medications, you MUST burp the child afterward. Merely giving these meds will not get gas out of the GI tract.
Pure colic is not a medical emergency but it IS EMOTIONAL for parents. If you suspect other conditions may be causing irritability and pain in your infant, go immediately to a hospital's emergency department.
How Long Does Colic Last?
Although colic can be a frightening experience for new parents, it is not a dangerous condition for your child. Infants tend to outgrow Colic around 3-4 months of age.
Colic Prevention
Studies have demonstrated that breastfed children are less likely to experience colic, and if they are affected, their symptoms seem to be less intense and of shorter duration. No other proactive approach has been demonstrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs of colic may vary child to child, but the main sign is excessive crying for 3 or more hours a day, 3 or more days per week. Other signs include arching the back, clenching fists, reddening of the face, and passing gas.
There are no surefire ways to get rid of colic, however, there are ways to soothe your colicky baby. At-home treatments like swaddling, utilizing a pacifier, and positioning the baby in the colic carry can soothe. While many believe gas may be a cause of colic, there are no documented studies to suggest that. Simethicone drops may relieve gas, but you must burp your child afterward.
While much research has been focused on the topic, no consistent explanation as to cause has yet been defined.
The colic carry may be a way of holding a colicky baby to help soothe their discomfort.
It involves placing the baby face-down along your forearm with their head supported by your hand and their legs straddling your elbow. The baby’s belly is positioned against your forearm, which can help to alleviate gas and digestive discomfort. The gentle pressure and movement of the carry can also provide a calming effect for some babies.
It’s important to note that the colic carry should only be used for short periods of time and under close supervision.
While a fussy baby and a colicky baby can experience the same symptoms, there are some key differences. Babies with colic seem more inconsolable for longer periods of time (3 or more hours per day, 3 or more days per week) than those experiencing nighttime fussiness. Parents with colicky children find no trick to intercede in their child’s frustration.
Summary
Colic is a condition that affects many infants, causing excessive crying and discomfort. While the exact cause of colic is not yet known, there are several strategies that parents can use to help soothe their baby's discomfort, such as the "colic carry" and using relaxing music. By raising awareness about colic and providing information and support, we hope to help families navigate this challenging condition and find relief for both parents and their little ones.
If you're looking for a new pediatrician in the Virginia Beach area, consider choosing Pediatric Affiliates of Hampton Roads. Our experienced pediatricians are dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to children of all ages. With our personalized approach and commitment to patient care, you can feel confident that your child is in good hands. So why wait? If your child needs a pediatrician, make an appointment with Pediatric Affiliates of Hampton Roads today and give your child the care and support they need to thrive.