Diseases
baby colic
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Colic is frequent, prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant. Colic can be particularly frustrating for parents because the baby's distress occurs for no apparent reason and no amount of consoling seems to bring any relief.
Symptoms
- Intense crying that may seem more like screaming or an expression of pain
- Crying for no apparent reason, unlike crying to express hunger or the need for a diaper change
- Extreme fussiness even after crying has diminished
- Predictable timing, with episodes often occurring in the evening
- Facial discoloring, such as skin flushing or blushing
Causes
- Digestive system that isn't fully developed
- Imbalance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Overfeeding, underfeeding or infrequent burping
Risk factors
- Preterm and full-term pregnancies
- Formula-fed and breast-fed babies
Diagnosis
- Physical Exam
- Signs and symptoms
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is baby colic?
Colic is frequent, prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant. Colic can be particularly frustrating for parents because the baby's distress occurs for no apparent reason and no amount of consoling seems to bring any relief.
What are the symptoms of baby colic?
Intense crying that may seem more like screaming or an expression of pain, Crying for no apparent reason, unlike crying to express hunger or the need for a diaper change, Extreme fussiness even after crying has diminished, Predictable timing, with episodes often occurring in the evening, Facial discoloring, such as skin flushing or blushing
What causes baby colic?
Digestive system that isn't fully developed; Imbalance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract; Food allergies or intolerances; Overfeeding, underfeeding or infrequent burping
Which medicines are used for baby colic?
simethicone
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