Large cohort study finds a statistically significant association between excessive crying in early infancy and
Lise Hestbaek1, Marianne Myhre Sannes, Jørgen Lous
1Institute of Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark.
Insights
Excessive crying in infants may be linked to later ear problems. This study found a significant association between infant crying duration and the occurrence of ear symptoms in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Infantile colic diagnosis relies on excessive crying, a nonspecific symptom with various potential causes.
- Understanding the etiology of infant crying is crucial for identifying underlying health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential association between excessive crying in the first six months of life and the development of subsequent ear problems.
- To explore the relationship between infant crying duration and the incidence of ear symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a large cohort study of 26,983 Danish children.
- Employed maternal reports via telephone interviews and questionnaires regarding infant crying and ear symptoms at 6 months, 18 months, and 7 years.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was observed between excessive infant crying and later ear symptoms.
- Increased crying time correlated with a higher incidence of ear problems at all follow-up points.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a possible link between excessive infant crying and ear infections.
- The causal nature of this association or shared underlying factors remains undetermined.
- Recommends comprehensive ear examinations for infants presenting with symptoms of infantile colic.
Aim:
The diagnosis of infantile colic is based on excessive crying. However, several causal factors can account for this disconcerting, nonspecific symptom. The main aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between excessive crying during the first 6 months of life and subsequent ear problems.
Methods:
Data from a cohort study of 26 983 Danish children were used. Mothers participated in four telephone interviews and one questionnaire and provided information on crying in the first 6 months of life and ear symptoms at the ages of 6 months, 18 months and 7 years.
Results:
There was a statistically significant association between excessive crying in infancy and subsequent ear symptoms. A gradual increase in subsequent ear problems was seen with increasing crying time at all the data collection times.
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest a possible link between excessive crying and ear infections. Whether such a link is causal or due to common underlying factors is still unknown. We recommend thorough ear examinations in children with symptoms compatible with infantile colic.
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