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Medical Author:

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What is colic? What are colic symptoms and signs in babies?
• What can be done to help with colic in babies?
• What can the doctor do to help a colicky baby? What is the treatment for colic in an infant?
• Colic At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Colic In Babies - Remedies
• Patient Comments: Colic in Babies - Treatments
• Find a local Pediatrician in your town
• Colic Index

It is critically important to consult the baby's doctor at the very beginning of the suspected colic symptoms. While there are no tests that can be done where the results come back "colic," it is very important to exclude several other causes of sudden-onset screaming in a newborn. These conditions include intestinal blockage or obstruction, abdominal infection, a hernia, a scratch of the baby's eye, an ear infection, a bladder infection, and others. Once the baby is given a clean bill of health, an understanding, supportive doctor is worth his weight in gold! The doctor can reassure you that should your colicky baby's symptoms ever suddenly change, that he will reassess the situation and look for unrelated problems that can arise in any baby. As discussed above, the doctor may recommend an over-the-counter anti-gas bubble medicine for the baby (for example, Mylicon Drops) or even a probiotic. These medications are taken orally. And when it seems that there are as many "cures" for colic as there are grandparents, always call your baby's doctor first. He can help you sort out the advice you get from all the "experts." Finally, remember that after the three or four months, when the colic has resolved, you will be left with that happy, healthy, eager-eating baby you dreamed of because there are no long-term problems associated with colic.

• Colic is self-limited and episodic.
• Overfeeding, undiluted juices, food allergies, and emotional stress can aggravate colic.
• It is important for a baby with new abdominal pain and crying to be evaluated by a doctor who can exclude other more serious conditions.
• Avoid medications and other treatments unless you have discussed them with your infant's medical practitioner.

REFERENCES:

Cohen-Silver, J., and S. Ratnapalan. "Management of Infantile Colic: A Review." Clinical Pediatrics 48.1 Jan. 2009: 14-17.

Wessel, M.A., J.C. Cobb, E.B. Jackson, et al. "Paroxysmal Fussing in Infancy, Sometimes Called Colic." Pediatrics 14.5 (1954): 421-435.