Infant 'colic'

Infant 'colic'

symptom complex
1. occurs during first few months of life
  1. resolves by 4 months of age
2. paroxysmal, inconsolable crying or screaming
  1. often + drawing up of knees + passage of excessive flatus
occurs several times daily
1. esp in the evening
gastrointestinal causes often suspected
1. but no firm evidence for this
present in up to 40% of babies
benign
1. frustrating and worries parents
2. but may ppt non-accidental injury in alreadyat risk infants
Mx
1. support and reassure
2. Gripe water
  1. often recommended
    1. but benefit unproven
3. if colic severe or persistent
  1. consider cow's milk protein allergy or GORD
    1. empirical 2 week trial of whey hydrolysate formula
      1. then trial of anti-reflux Rx

Resource summary

	Created by v.djabatey over 10 years ago