Colic Flashcards
What are the symptoms of colic?
Traditionally defined as crying or fussing for more than 3 hours of the day for more than three days of the week
Does colic require a counselling room?
No
What are 13 red flags for referral with colic?
- Weak, high-pitched continuous cry
- Floppy when you pick them up
- Takes less than a third of their usual amount of fluids
- Reduced urine output
- Vomits green fluid
- Blood in their stools
- Fever ≥ 38°C
- Bulging fontanelle
- Seizure
- Turns blue, blotchy or very pale
- Stiff neck
- Breathing problems
- Spotty, purple-red rash anywhere on their body (this could be a sign of meningitis)
Does colic have a PSA self-care card?
Yes
What is the preferred treatment option for colic?
Simethicone 40mg/mL (Infacol)
What are the directions for Simethicone 40mg/mL (Infacol) in colic?
One full dropper (0.5 mL) given before each feed for several days to achieve the best results
What is the age range for Simethicone 40mg/mL (Infacol)?
Safe in all ages
What are 11 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for colic?
- Hold your baby during a crying episode, and wrapping them snugly in a blanket or baby sling
- Keep calm and talk gently to your baby
- Check your baby doesn’t need a feed or a nappy change
- Develop a regular daily pattern of feeds and sleeps
- Don’t overstimulate your baby
- Darken the room for daytime naps
- Try soothing techniques such as baby massage, gentle rocking or patting, or a warm bath
- Offer a dummy
- Try to soothe your baby before they become too worked up
- Try not to startle your baby, for example with quick movements.
- Check formula is being made up correctly, if you’re using it.
Describe the process of diagnosing colic
Colic is only diagnosed at the exclusion of other potential causes
Describe the potential implications of colic.
Can be a major burden to families, leading to maternal depression, shaken baby syndrome, and can cause early breastfeeding cessation. It has also been linked to after sleeping problems, allergic disorders, family dysfunction and behavioural problems
What is the usual age range for colic to occur?
Predominantly occurs between 2 weeks and 4 months of age and commonly subsides around 3 to 6 months of age.
What is the Mechanism of Action of Simethicone 40mg/mL (Infacol) in colic?
Anti-foaming agent that joins up all the gas bubbles in the babies stomach so they are easier to pass.
