How long does it last? Most colic occurs around two weeks of age, reaches its maximum severity between six and eight weeks and usually gradually subsides between six and eight months. In a study of 100 colicky babies, the colic had disappeared in 50% by three months and in 90% by six months. In only 1% of these babies did the colic last until one year of age. Some experts believe if colic persists beyond three to four months it is likely to be caused by a medical problem such as milk intolerance.

Food Allergies As The Cause of Colic
Most studies show no difference in colic incidence between breastfed and formula fed babies, however breastfeeding mothers often seem to exhibit better coping skills. Studies have implicated milk and cow's milk-based formulas as a cause of colic. Your doctor may choose to substitute a soy formula --- but even soy formula can cause colic. Approximately 35% of infants who are allergic to cow's milk-based formulas will also be allergic to soy milk-based formulas. A recent discovery is that cow's milk allergens may enter the milk of a breastfeeding mother and irritate the baby's intestines, causing colic. In this case trying out a dairy-free diet may be worthwhile.

Ear Infections
Signs that your baby may have an ear infection are: baby seems to be in pain while lying down, but not while sitting up; he has associated cold symptoms such as a runny nose, draining eyes, and low-grade fever; and he suffers sleep disturbances. A thorough examination of your baby's ears should be part of a colic checkup.

Pediatric Regurgitation Syndrome
Also called gastrointestinal reflux or in more severe cases Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD), PRS is a recent discovery as a medical cause of colic. Normally when food goes down your baby's esophagus into his stomach, the stomach then contracts pushing the already-present food down into the intestines. In some babies the junction of the esophagus and the stomach does not work properly, so when the stomach contracts, some of the food is pushed back up into the esophagus and even out of the mouth. Along with this food come irritating stomach acids, which may irritate the esophaghus and produce a feeling of what adults would call "heartburn".

Signs that reflux may be contributing to colic are: frequent spitting up after eating; colicky episodes shortly after eating; frequent night waking as if in severe pain; and colic that is just not going away. The proper diagnosis of reflux is very involved and expensive, often requiring x-rays and the insertion of a tube down the baby's esophagus to measure stomach acids... however, here's a link which may prove useful. Visit the Children's Medical Center for more information on GERD.

Urinary Tract Infections
One of the most serious hidden causes of colic is a urinary tract infection. These infections are subtle; they do not begin as quickly and severely as ear infections, and they can last several weeks before they are detected. Urinary tract infections can cause kidney damage if untreated. It is recommended that fussy, colicky babies have at least three urinalyses. (Ask the doctor's assistant to mail you 3 urine bags so you can bring in specimens on or before the day of your appointment.)

Skin Rashes
Skin rashes may also be a cause of colic. Eczema, allergic-type rashes and diaper rashes may be the culprit. Sudden outbursts of screaming may be caused by a sore bottom. The type of diaper rash that is particularly distressing is the raw, burnlike rash caused by acid stools during diarrhea. A baking soda bath (one tablespoon in a couple of inches of water in baby's bathtub) may soothe the diaper rash caused by acid stools.

Constipation
This may be a hidden cause of colic. In the early months a baby's stools, especially those of a breastfed infant, should be loose, soft and frequent, averaging two to three a day. Around three or four months some babies will normally have only one bowel movement a day, and some normally every two or three days without any apparent problems. If your baby strains a lot to have a bowel movement, and if the stool seems hard, accompanied by a few drops of rectal bleeding and a tense, gas-filled abdomen, suspect constipation. Your doctor will advise you how to treat this.

There are several things I do to prepare for colic episodes as well as minimize the frequency and severity of my son's evening colic.
 
 

Continue...

Page 1   |   What Is Colic?   |  What Causes Colic?   |  Hormones?
Medical Causes of Colic   |   Coping With Colic   |   More Coping Help   |   Getting Doctor's Help
Resources For Colic

Fireside Chat
 

Web Design by August Originals

Copyright Time4me.com
All Rights Reserved