A Family Doctor's Tale - COLIC

DOC MY BABY HAS COLIC

Colic is defined as constant inconsolable crying by a baby   of about 2 weeks to 3 month for more than three hours a day, three days a week.

The baby draws up his/her legs as in extreme pain and becomes very red in the face.

This usually starts a few weeks after birth and often improves by age 3 months and ends by age 9 months in 90 percent of cases.

What are the causes of Colic?
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1.Failure to bring up wind that enters the stomach during feeding or crying with the result gas passes into the small intestine and cause pain and excessive contractions.

2.Hunger may be a cause especially with breatfed babies as the milk may not be sufficient to satisfy the baby's hunger.

3.Allergies or lactose tolerance especially with cow's milk may also be a factor

What are Symptoms of Colic?
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Typical symptoms of colic include:

1.Regular crying episodes. A baby who has colic often cries about the same time every day, usually in the late afternoon or evening.

2.Intense crying. Colic crying is often intense. It will be extremely difficult to pacify and comfort the baby.

3.Posture changes include curled up legs with clenched fists and tensed abdominal muscles during colic episodes.

Diagnosis:

A physical examination is performed to identify any possible causes for your baby's distress such as an intestinal obstruction.

Diagnostic tests are usually not required.

Treatment

Colic improves on its own, often by age 3 months.

Prescription medications such as simethicone have not shown to be very useful for colic.

It has been suggested that treatment with probiotics which help maintain the natural balance of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract can soothe colic. More research is awaited to determine the beneficial effects of probiotics on colic.

Tips to soothe your baby during colic include:
1.Feed your baby with frequent small feeds and burp the baby.

2.Offer a pacifier to the baby as sucking is a soothing activity for babies and calms the baby down.

3.Hold your baby close to you as cuddling may help some babies to quieten and calm down.

4.Keep your baby in motion by gently rocking the baby in your arms or in an infant swing. Alternatively you may lay your baby tummy down on your knees and then sway your knees slowly or take a walk with your baby.

5.Sing to your baby to soothe your baby.

Support for the mother

These suggestions may help the mother to cope with the stress.

1.Take a break from care giving by requesting help from your spouse or family.

2.It is all right to express your feelings. It is normal for parents to feel helpless, depressed or angry. Confide in your spouse, partner or friend.

3.Remember that it is temporary and improves as the baby grows older. Colic episodes often improve by age 3 months.