[Colic in newborns and infants: a literature review]

Fanny Sarfati Kosminsky1, Amélia Fumiko Kimura

  • 1Programa de Pós-Graduação da Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo. fannysarfati@yahoo.com.br

Insights

This literature review examines excessive crying and colic in infants, offering insights into causes and effective interventions for infant colic relief. It provides a comprehensive overview for healthcare providers and parents seeking to manage this common infant issue.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Infant Health

Context:

  • Excessive crying and infant colic are prevalent concerns for newborns and their families.
  • Understanding the multifactorial nature of colic is crucial for effective management.
  • Existing literature provides a foundation for evidence-based interventions.

Purpose:

  • To conduct a literature review on infant colic and excessive crying.
  • To present the clinical definition, etiology, and associated factors of infant colic.
  • To explore interventions for the relief and treatment of infant colic.

Summary:

  • This review synthesizes information on infant colic from medical and nursing journals.
  • Key aspects covered include clinical definitions, potential causes, and contributing factors.
  • Various interventions aimed at alleviating colic symptoms are discussed.

Impact:

  • Provides healthcare professionals with a consolidated resource on infant colic.
  • Informs parents and caregivers about the condition and available management strategies.
  • Contributes to improved understanding and care for infants experiencing excessive crying and colic.

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management

Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.