OTC - colic

Question 1

Symptoms of colic?

Answer 1

• excessive high pitched crying at the same time each day, usually late afternoons/evening
• at least 3 hours, 3 days a week for 3 weeks (RULE OF THREE)
• starts in infancy, usually resolves by 4-6 months

OTHER SIGNS

• difficult to comfort
• red in the face, grimacing
• clenched fists
• knees drawn up to stomach
• excessive gas, trouble passing stool

Question 2

When is referral needed?

Answer 2

• inconsolable crying (underlying condition?)

- failure to put on weight

Question 3

OTC product?

Answer 3

• infacol (simethicone - eliminates trapped gas through belching/flatus)
• colief infant drops (lactase enzyme - breaks down sugar lactose found in breast and formula milk)
• gripe water
• etc

LACKING SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE BUT CAN TRIAL MEDICINE FOR 1 WEEK, SEE IF IT HELPS

Question 4

Advice?

Answer 4

• reassure parent it is not their fault and the baby will grow out of it
• remove cows milk - 1 week trial (from mother if breast fed, if bottle fed = try hypoallergenic formula)
• massage tummy in circular motion
• hold baby during crying episode, rock them over the shoulder, give warm baths, burp after feeds, hold them upright during feed to avoid swallowing air