infant colic

Question 1

Define

Answer 1

‘Colic’ is used to describe a common symptom complex that occurs during the first few months of life

COMMON

< 3m old

Question 2

Symptoms

Answer 2

Typical pattern of symptoms:
* paroxysmal, inconsolable crying or screaming,
* often accompanied by drawing up the knees
* passage of excessive flatus takes place several times a day

The cause is suspected to be gastrointestinal, although there is no firm evidence

Colic affects 40% of babies and typically occurs in the first few weeks of life, resolving gradually from 3-12 months

Often worse in evenings

NOTE: if severe and persistent, it may be due to a cow’s milk protein allergy

Question 3

Management

Answer 3

Reassure the parents that colic is a common problem and should resolve by 6 months of age

Sources of Information/ Support:

• NHS Choices
• Leaflet
• Self-help support group www.cry-sis.org.uk for families with excessive crying or sleepless children
• Get support from health visitor (help with feeding tech), family, friends and other parents

Strategies to sooth a crying infant: holding a baby, gentle motion, white noise

Encourage parents to look after themselves: get support from family and friends, meet other parents at a similar state (NCT), resting, putting the baby in a safe place to give yourself a time out

NOTE: do NOT recommend things like Infacol and Colief because there is insufficient evidence

If persistent → consider cow’s milk protein allergy or reflux, à consider:

(1) 2-week trial of whey hydrolysate formula; followed by

(2) 2-week trial of anti-reflux treatment

IMPORTANT: the condition is benign but frustrating for parents

NOTE: ‘colic’ type symptoms can result from issues with feeding/ burping technique. Immediately lying a baby down after feeding can cause persistent crying