Colic In Babies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

There is a general belief that babies cry, no matter what. While babies indeed cry, sometimes their crying may not be usual and imply a bigger problem. For instance, if your baby cries incessantly for more than 3 hours per day, there are chances that he might have colic. One of the easiest ways to identify colic in newborns is by their inconsolable crying which is difficult to stop.

If you are going through the same and doubt if you have a colic baby, it is time for you to seek professional help.

What is Colic in Baby?

In simpler words, infant colic refers to a situation when your baby cries immensely for no underlying reason. In medical terms, colic is defined as excessive crying for more than 3 hours per day, for at least 3 days a week or more than 3 weeks.

All babies cry since crying is the way they communicate their needs. A colic pain in babies, however, makes them cry inconsolably and scream without any apparent reason. Their crying may start where at the same time every day. This is usually seen in afternoons or evening hours. These colic bouts, however, may seem confusing as your baby may behave completely when not crying.

Colic symptoms in breastfed babies can be extremely frustrating and overwhelming for parents. It may add unnecessary stress and fatigue to your new parenthood. A lot of researchers relate colic in babies to their mothers. Mothers with postpartum depression or shaken baby syndrome are likely to have colic in their babies.

Regardless of the reason or underlying cause, reaching out to the expert for help is what you need.

What Are the Symptoms of Colic in Babies?

One of the classic symptoms of colic in babies is inconsolable crying; without any apparent reason. These frequent episodes may last for hours incessantly. The other symptoms may vary in babies.

If you have babies with colic, you may notice them getting fussy at the end of the day. You may also find it difficult to comfort them for long. Although a lot of parents link colic to hunger or discomfort, this is not the case with most babies. Your baby may be fussy and crying but also continue to eat well and gain weight.

Apart from crying, the other symptoms include:

•     Arched back.
•     Legs curled up over their belly.
•     Clenched fists.
•     Hard and swollen abdomen.
•     Passing of gas.
•     Painful look on their face.
•     Bright red face due to long hours of crying.

When Does Colic Start?

Colic baby symptoms usually start within the first weeks after birth. It may be at its peak between the ages of 4 and 6 weeks. In some babies, this may also end abruptly when your baby is 3 to 4 months old.

What Causes Colic Symptoms in Babies?

However, the exact reason behind colic symptoms in babies is not known. The researchers consider below factors to be responsible for colic in babies:

•     Stomach contents being refluxed or coming up to their throat.
•     Extreme abdominal pain or discomfort due to gas; your babies may swallow air during nursing or             crying which may also cause trouble.
•     Food allergy.
•     Milk intolerance.
•     Overfeeding or underfeeding.
•     Migraine or severe headache.
•     Overstimulation.
•     Emotional reaction to excitement, fear, or frustration.
•     Underdeveloped digestive system.

When To See a Doctor?

Intense and excessive crying is a classic sign of colic in babies. It may also indicate an underlying illness or condition that causes pain or discomfort. Be mindful of your baby’s health and watch out for the following symptoms:

•     Abrupt loss in weight.
•     Abrupt behaviour change.
•     Forceful vomiting; especially if green in colour or with blood in it.
•     Diarrhoea.
•     Blood in faeces.

If you notice such symptoms in your baby, make sure to schedule an appointment with your paediatrician at the earliest for a thorough examination.

What Are the Risk Factors for Colitis in Babies?

Researchers have not yet identified the risk factors for colic in babies. The well-understood risk factors that may cause colic include:

•     Formula feeding or breast-fed babies.
•     Preterm or full-term pregnancies.
•     Sex of the child.

In addition, babies born to mothers with a history of smoking during pregnancy or after delivery also increase the chances of developing colic symptoms in babies.

What Are the Complications of Colic in Babies?

Colic symptoms in babies may not cause any medical problems to the child but these may be extremely stressful for new parents. Although there is lacking scientific evidence for the causes of colic in babies, researchers have found evidence between colic and the mental well-being of parents. The parents of colic babies are found to have:

• Enhanced risk of post-partum depression.
• Early cessation of breastfeeding.
• The feeling of exhaustion, helplessness, anger, or guilt.

How is Colic in Babies Treated?

Colic in babies cannot be cured, you can however take the necessary steps as a part of treatment:

Feed Your Baby : If you are breastfeeding, keep a note of everything that you consume throughout the day. Since you pass everything that you eat to your baby, it can greatly affect them. Make sure to avoid eating milk products, caffeine, chocolates, or any other item that may irritate your baby.

If you are feeding a baby formula, try different brands if one doesn’t suit your baby. Consult your paediatrician before switching to a new formula.

Comfort Your Baby – Be there for your baby and comfort them with skin-to-skin contact, rocking in your arms, gently stroking their head, singing to them, or walking them in a stroller.

Conclusion

If you are a new parent, there are high chances for you to be more finicky about your baby. Having a colic baby in such a scenario can put you under a lot of stress and frustration. Although babies tend to cry, incessant crying for hours is not normal. In such cases, make sure that you consult a paediatrician at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital for expert consultation and treatment.