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Does your baby cry for hours every afternoon despite being otherwise healthy and growing? Your child may have colic Colic is unprovoked crying in a healthy, well-fed infant, lasting for more than three hours a day, usually in the afternoons. It typically begins around 1 month of age, and spontaneously disappears at roughly 3-4 months. Aside from the incessant crying, the tough part about colic is the complete lack of an obvious cause. It is not due to needing a nap or a diaper change or being hungry. Studies show it is not due to intestinal pain or milk allergies. Babies with colic are healthy, with normal growth and development. So why do they cry so much? Although the exact cause of colic is unclear, it is largely attributed to the baby’s temperament. Babies with colic have a harder time adapting to life outside the uterus. They are thought to be very aware of their surroundings and highly sensitive to sensory input, reacting with intense crying to seemingly minor stimulation such as bright light, mild hunger, subtle changes in temperature, intestinal gas, or ambient noise. In short, practically anything can trigger a crying spell. As exasperating as it may be, colic is considered a variation of normal baby behavior. If you suspect your baby has colic, your child’s doctor may first rule out an underlying disease, such as gastroesophageal reflux, urinary tract infection, corneal abrasion, or other injury. Some parents are asked to record the pattern of crying and to chart the baby’s weight. A thriving, growing infant crying in the afternoons is most likely colicky and not sick. There is no cure for colic It miraculously goes away on its own. While it lasts, the goal is to keep your infant as comfortable as possible. Frequent burping, feeding, diaper changes, stroller rides, swinging, rocking, swaddling or singing may be helpful. When all else fails, car rides, or lying in a dark room with a radio set to static may do the trick. If in addition to colic your baby also has acid reflux or intestinal gas, the doctor may prescribe medicine for this. In the event of a milk allergy, you may be asked to switch formulas, but bear in mind that no medication or formula has been shown to be an effective treatment for colic. Colic is difficult for everyone involved Parents have a tendency to worry or blame themselves for the problem. It can produce much anxiety, desperation, stress, and even depression. Some parents feel like they are losing their sanity. If your baby has colic, make sure to take care of yourself. Listen to your favorite music with headphones while rocking your screaming infant. If you need a break, call a relative or friend for help. Be assured that colic is not hereditary and your baby will eventually outgrow this phase. The baby is not sick and it is not your fault. Many parents, looking back, wished they had worried less and relaxed more. And on the plus side, babies with colic are believed to have a stronger sense of awareness and sensitivity towards others when they are adults, and possibly a higher IQ. Dr. Richelle K. Marracino is a family practice physician at the UC Riverside Campus Health Center, 951.827.3031. |
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