Colic in babies : Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What is Colic?

Uncontrolled , prolonged periods of crying seen in a baby are typical of a colic baby. It typically starts at around 3 to 6 weeks of age and may continue up until 3 to 4 months of age. It is usually seen at nearly the same time eveyday, usually in the late afternoon or evening.But how do you differentiate a colic baby from a fussy baby? A baby with colic can usually be diagnosed by using 'Rule of three's '. A colicky baby usually :

- cries for more than three hours a day

- for atleast three days in a week

- for atleast three weeks.

Symptoms of colic:

- Crying episodes lasting for hours , difficult to soothe the baby.

- Baby appears to be in severe pain.

- Clenching of fists.

- Bending knees towards stomach.

- Excessive hand and leg movements.

- Bloating of stomach due to gas.

- Redness of face.

Causes of colic:

- Sensitivity to sound, light or the environment.

- Immature digestive system of babies.

- Allergic reaction to certain milk protein of baby is formula fed.

- Feeding habits of the mother, if baby is breast-fed.

- Acid reflux.

- Overfeeding the baby or feeding at very short intervals.

- Prolonged hunger.

- Failure to burp the baby after every feed.

All the above causes are the various theories that have been put forward as the probable reasons of colic, but none of them have been scientifically proven.

Treatment for colic:

Since there is no one definite cause of colic, there is no definite treatment as well. But a few remedies have proven to be successful in helping with colic babies ,which are:

- Rocking the baby or putting them in motion is known to help.

- Get out of the house if weather permits. Sometimes change in environment works wonders for a colic baby.

- Lots of cuddling , and swaddling of the baby is also known to help.

- While some babies like to be held in kangaroo position, others prefer to be put on their stomach lying down. One needs to work out what works for their baby.

- If baby is formula fed, sometimes change in the type of formula milk given may help ( after consulting the paediatrician).

- If baby is breast-fed , it may help to note the mother's dietary changes and the baby's crying pattern. Sometimes elimination of wheat products, dairy products, gluten from mother's diet helps.

- Burping the baby also helps.

- Cycling motion of feet of the baby helps in easing of the pain.

- Anti gas drops recommended by paediatrician may also help.

- Asfoetida applied in a circular manner around the child's navel is known as a good home remedy for gas.

A baby with colic is equivalent to a hard and stressful time for the baby and the parents. It is important for the parent to stay calm and composed at such times and remember it is not going to last forever..