Colic

Colic is a condition most likely to be experienced by babies; it is experienced as pain in the abdomen which results in uncontrollable crying of the baby. Although the baby might look like it is in pain, colic is harmless, usually starting at first month of its life continuing into well up to fourth or fifth month of its life. Parents must always be able to distinguish the crying due to colic from other apparent reason why the baby cry, this might just be due to wet nappy or, baby might be hungry or might even have a grave condition troubling the baby. The best way to differentiate other condition from colic involves, that baby will not thrive in other conditions, where as if it is simple colic then baby will feed normally and thrive well enough.
The exact cause for colic still remains to be found, however recent research has helped shed some light on some aspects of colic. Most researchers now agree upon wind or gas to be the main reason for this colic pain suffered in the babies. Other theories proposed involves the concept of stage of maturation of the baby gut, during which the mucosa lining the gut might react to many substances present in the breast milk, like lactose, galactose etc. Some even believe it depends on how each individual baby reacts to the amount of disturbance felt in the gut, some might react violently where as some might be passive.
Symptoms of colic in babies is expressed as intense uncontrollable crying, this might even make the parents panic but there is nothing to fear as colic is harmless. During crying the baby might clench its fists and arch its body. A baby suffering from colic is well fed and healthy without any other symptoms. Due to excess crying the baby might not sleep well however the feeding pattern remains unaffected. The parents should be familiar with the behaviour of the baby as it is very useful in ruling out other conditions.
Diagnosis, for a well experienced child specialist diagnosis is fairly simple. Colic affects both boys and girls equally appearing somewhere at the second to fourth week of birth and lasting up to 4 month. The baby will appear well fed and nourished with no associated symptoms like loose stools, vomiting or breathlessness. Ruling out other systemic disease is very essential as many gut related diseases might also result in pain in abdomen. A well documented history along with physical examination is enough to diagnose colic.
Treating colic involves comforting the baby along with the medical treatment. While comforting the baby it is always advisable to remember that no single method is highly effective and babies respond differently to each method. Some of the suggestions are holding the baby in the mother’s arms while baby has an episode of colic, even wrapping the baby comfortably in the blanket might calm the baby down. Soon after feeding holding the baby upright will prevent the baby from swallowing air this reduces incidence of colic. Similarly making the baby burp after food will also reduce the colic episode.