"Colic" What Causes Non-stop Crying in Infants?

What is Colic?

Colic in infants refers to continuous crying for more than 3 hours a day, occurring more than three days a week. Despite efforts to soothe the baby, the crying persists for no apparent reason. The crying episodes typically occur consistently around the same time each day, often in the early afternoon and last into late afternoon. Historically, the seemingly inexplicable colic, which comes and goes for no rhyme and reason, was dubbed the "child seeing a ghost" syndrome. Common symptoms of colic in infants include:

• Intense crying accompanied by bright or dark red facial complexion.
• Expression of discomfort or unhappiness.
• Drawing the legs up toward the stomach.
• Abdominal rigidity and distention.
• Frequent passing of gas.
• Clenched fists.

Causes of Colic in Babies- Understanding the Origin of Intense Crying

The persistent and intense crying in infants signifies discomfiture in the belly. Contrary to the child seeing ghost folklore, colic is not due to supernatural phenomena. It is a prevalent condition affecting approximately 20% of children worldwide. The following factors can contribute to the development of colic in infants:

• Swallowing air during breastfeeding or crying, leading to trapped gas in the digestive system.
• Food allergies, particularly milk protein allergies, can cause gastrointestinal distress.
• Overfeeding or underfeeding the baby during meals.
• Acid reflux with regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing discomfort.
• Inefficient digestive system with difficulties breaking down and digesting food.
• Emotional responses such as irritability, fear, and excitement can trigger colic episodes.

Is Colic Harmful to Babies?

Infant colic, characterized by intense crying, is not considered dangerous and typically resolves itself soon after and poses no long-term risks or detrimental effects to the baby's health. The colic can adversely impact new parents' well-being, leading to frustration, fatigue, and stress.

Complications Associated with Colic

While colic does not pose a direct danger to the baby, it can have an untoward impact on the parents, particularly the mother. The relentless crying and challenges associated with managing colic can contribute to postpartum depression, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of the mother.

Caution during Infant Colic

When your baby is in colic, keep the parents' emotions under wrap. The parents may lose their cool after trying to calm the baby in every which way to no avail. Shaking your baby and hoping to stop the crying is prohibited. The actions can injure the baby's brain, potentially leading to visual impairment or even loss of life.
If parents are on the verge of an emotional outburst, they should ask for help from a trusted individual or a caregiver who can temporarily relieve them from child care. You can take a break, manage your irritability, take slow deep breathing exercises, and give yourself the necessary time to regain composure.

Duration of Infant Colic

For parents worried about the baby's excessive crying, it is crucial to note that colic symptoms typically last 2-6 weeks after delivery, and it is reassuring to know that these symptoms gradually diminish as the baby reaches 3-4 months of age.

How Can We Treat Colic?

While there is no definitive cure for colic, there are several ways that may help alleviate your baby's symptoms and provide comfort:

• Monitor breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding, observe your baby's symptoms after feeding. Consider eliminating certain foods from your diet that may be potential triggers, such as dairy products, caffeine, chocolate, nuts, onions, or Brussels sprouts. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on an appropriate diet or alternative feeding options, such as specialized milk powder formulas for infants with protein sensitivity.
• Provide soothing techniques: Engage in comforting activities to help calm your baby, such as:
  • Skin-to-Skin contact between mother and baby.
  • Wrapping your baby in soft clothes
  • Gentle rocking in a chair or your arms.
  • Sing a Lullaby or play soft music.
  • Turn off electronic devices in the immediate area.
  • Take a warm shower.
  • Use a pacifier.
  • Consider taking a carminative such as simethicone.

When to See a doctor?

• If the baby has a high fever (above 38.5 degrees Celsius).
• If the baby experiences severe vomiting that is green or contains blood.
• If the baby has bloody diarrhea.

While it is normal for babies to communicate with crying, if the baby cries for more than 3 hours a day and this pattern persists for more than three weeks, it may indicate colic. If colic does not improve despite trying out various treatment options, please consult a pediatric specialist for further evaluation.