Colic

• What are the Rome IV criteria for colic?

  Infant under 5 months with prolonged crying, recurrent and prolonged periods of infant crying, fussing, or irritability reported by caregivers that occur without obvious cause and cannot be prevented or resolved by caregivers
• What does the term "failure to thrive" indicate in relation to colic?

  No evidence of infant failure to thrive is present
• At what age does colic usually start in infants?

  1. 3 weeks old
• When does colic typically resolve in infants?

  Usually resolves by 5-6 months of age
• What is a common time for crying in infants with colic?

  Late afternoon or evening
• What physical signs may indicate an infant is experiencing colic?

  Drawing knees up, arching back, clenching fists
• What color change might occur in a baby during colic episodes?

  May go red in face or flushed
• What gastrointestinal symptoms might some babies with colic exhibit?

  Stomach rumbling and producing a lot of wind
• What are some possible causes of colic?

  Neurodevelopmental stage, gut spasms, trapped air
• How might smoking during pregnancy relate to colic?

  It may exacerbate infant crying
• What psychosocial factors can contribute to colic?

  Family tension and parental anxiety
• What are some differential diagnoses for colic?

  Intestinal obstruction, renal colic, ear infections
• What is a common discomfort that can mimic colic symptoms?

  Hunger or dehydration
• What complications can arise from colic in infants?

  Parental stress and anxiety, sleep deprivation
• What is a recommended management strategy for colic?

  Maternal diet modification if breastfeeding
• What is the purpose of simeticone in colic management?

  Reduces gas in the gut
• What is a non-drug treatment for colic involving motion?

  Rocking in a cradle or chair
• How can parents help manage colic through environmental adjustments?

  Reduce environmental stimuli
• What practical measures can parents take to support their wellbeing while managing a colicky baby?

  • Ask family and friends for support
  • Meet other parents for peer support
  • Rest when the baby sleeps
  • Use 'time out' for self-care
  • Join self-help support groups like Cry-sis
• What should parents do if they feel unable to cope with the crying?

  Put the baby down in a safe place
• What is the role of lactase drops in colic management?

  Breaks down lactose in the gut
• What is gripe water and its purpose in colic management?

  Herbal remedy to reduce gas in gut
• How do manipulative strategies like spinal manipulation relate to colic treatment?

  They are not recommended due to lack of evidence
• Why is it important for breastfeeding parents to continue if possible?

  Encouragement to maintain breastfeeding is vital
• Differential Diagnosis: Colicky Pain


  • GI: intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, pyloric stenosis, hernia;
  • Genito-urinary: testis/ovarian torsion, renal colic;
  • Infection: acute infection; Ear, Nose, and Throat: ear infections,
  • UTIs; Allergy/intolerance: intolerance to cows milk protein