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Infantile colic: a review

Alexander K C Leung1, Jean François Lemay

  • 1The University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, 1820 Richmond Road SW, Calgary T2T 5C7, Canada. aleung@ucalgary.ca

The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health
|August 11, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Infantile colic, characterized by excessive crying in infants, can be stressful for families. Cow's milk proteins are often linked to colic, with dietary changes and support being key management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Infant Health

Background:

  • Infantile colic presents as prolonged, inconsolable crying in healthy infants under three months.
  • This condition significantly impacts family well-being and can last for weeks.
  • A notable association exists between cow's milk protein and infantile colic prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the characteristics and management of infantile colic.
  • To highlight the role of cow's milk protein in colic development.
  • To outline supportive care and dietary modification strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on infantile colic.
  • Analysis of infant crying patterns and duration.
  • Assessment of dietary factors, particularly cow's milk protein.

Main Results:

  • Infantile colic defined by crying >3 hours/day, >3 days/week for >3 weeks.
  • Cow's milk protein sensitivity identified as a contributing factor in many cases.
  • Supportive counseling and dietary adjustments are primary interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Infantile colic is a common, transient condition in infants.
  • Dietary modifications, especially regarding cow's milk protein, can alleviate symptoms.
  • Most cases resolve naturally by 3-4 months of age.

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