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Colic.
1Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
American Family Physician
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Infant colic, characterized by excessive crying, often resolves by four months. Dietary changes, like removing cow
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Care
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- Infant colic is a common condition affecting newborns, typically starting within the first few weeks of life.
- Excessive crying associated with colic can cause significant distress for both infants and parents.
- The exact causes of colic remain unclear, but several contributing factors are being investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of dietary modifications in managing infant colic.
- To explore potential interventions for colic relief in infants.
- To understand the typical onset and duration of infantile colic.
Main Methods:
- Observational study tracking colic onset and resolution timelines.
- Intervention group: removal of cow's-milk protein from the maternal or infant diet.
- Control group: standard care for colic.
Main Results:
- Colic typically begins between 2-6 weeks of life and resolves by 4 months.
- Crying episodes are most frequent in the evening, post-feeding.
- Eliminating cow's-milk protein from the diet resolved colic in 30% of affected infants.
Conclusions:
- Dietary intervention, specifically cow's-milk protein elimination, can be effective for a subset of infants with colic.
- Simethicone and antispasmodic agents may offer symptomatic relief but are not universally effective.
- Further research is needed to identify all causes and optimal treatments for infant colic.