Infantile Colic
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
Infantile colic is described as excessive crying with no clear cause in infants who otherwise present as healthy. Its presentation is widely reported - as little as 3% or up to 40% of infants worldwide. An Australian journal recently reported 20%, while the Singapore Medical Journal reported 40% presentation in the healthcare sector.[1][2][3]
In general, it appears that infant colic is one of the most common causes for hospital emergency visits in the first few months of life.[1]
It is generally described as a self-limiting condition, resolving after three to four months of life.[2]
Pathological Process[edit | edit source]
While colic implies a gastrointestinal origin, research into conditions relating to the gastrointestinal system and the prevalence of colic has found inconclusive or weak associations.[1][3][2]
Among the topics researched, the following were most prevalent:
- Microbiota and inflammatory markers (both in the gut and systemically)
- Lactose intolerance
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
Other possible causes have included:[4]
- Increased serotonin secretion
- Poor feeding technique
- Maternal smoking or nicotine replacement therapy
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
add text here relating to the clinical presentation of the condition
Diagnostic Procedures[edit | edit source]
add text here relating to diagnostic tests for the condition
Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]
add links to outcome measures here (see Outcome Measures Database)
Management / Interventions
[edit | edit source]
Because of its benign nature, the first recommendation for treatment is parental education, including the aspect that colic is benign and self-limiting. In addition, supportive resources can also be offered.[4]
Medical Management[edit | edit source]
Probiotics
Medications
Dietary Modifications
Physical Therapies
Herbal Supplements
Differential Diagnosis
[edit | edit source]
Conditions that should be checked for unexplained crying in infants include:[4]
- Hirschsprung disease
- Incarcerated hernia or testicular torsion
- Child abuse
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Pyloric stenosis
- Anal fissure
- Corneal abrasion
- Cow's milk allergy
- Hair tourniquet syndrome
- Inadequate bottle feeding
- Inadequate breast feeding
The above causes are detailed in regards to findings, physical examinations, historical clues and diagnostic testing here.
Red flags which point to other more serious conditions are:[4]
- Distended abdomen
- Fever
- Lethargy
Details are found here.
Resources
[edit | edit source]
add appropriate resources here
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Ellwood J, Draper-Rodi J, Carnes D. Comparison of common interventions for the treatment of infantile colic: a systematic review of reviews and guidelines. BMJ Open. 2020; 10 (2): e035405.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Sung V. Infantile colic. Australian prescriber. 2018 Aug;41(4):105.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lam TM, Chan PC, Goh LH. Approach to infantile colic in primary care. Singapore medical journal. 2019 Jan;60(1):12.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Johnson JD, Cocker K, Chang E. Infantile colic: recognition and treatment. American family physician. 2015 Oct 1;92(7):577-82.
