Baby Colic: Irritation, Sleeplessness & Discomfort
Baby colic, also known as infant colic or simply colic is a deplorable health condition in which a healthy baby cries or screams frequently for long periods of time for no apparent or perceptible reason. According to the mayo Clinic, according to the Mayo Clinic, it is best defined as continual crying for over three hours a day, three days a week over a three week period, by an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby, by a baby having no specific health problem.
There is no consistent, apparent cause of colic. As per the researches, studies and experts, of course, the problem of colic pain may arise due to a number of factors and thus, differentiates from baby to baby. Normally, indigestion is a frequently found reason that further propels other stomach problems. Infants have immature digestive system. The muscles that facilitate the digestion are not fully developed and they lack the facilitating bacterial flora. In addition, certain food items having volatile chemicals and allergens in low quantity, taken by lactating mothers, can create problems of colic discomfort and digestive upset. Moreover, swallowing air due to strenuous crying and while eating food, may also cause issues of gas and bloating. Some of the other causes can be:
- Allergic reactions
- Over stimulation
- Gas producing foods
- Air intake from feeding & crying
- Immature digestive & nervous system
- Acid reflux
The most common expression that one can relate to infants is crying. They usually, tend to cry for long periods and get easily irritated. Hence, to actually get assured whether or not your baby is suffering from baby colic, you need to look for certain other symptoms like, excessive crying for long periods, irrespective of consoling efforts, or if your child starts crying especially after meals and during other specific timings. In addition, if infant shows signs of bloating and other gas problems or has hard, distended stomach.
A few other signs are could be:
- Clenched fists
- whirling arms and legs
- an arched back
- irritable
- fussiness
- Abdominal bloating
- Intense and prolonged crying
- Sleeplessness
According to Wikipedia, at present, there is no universally-accepted medical treatment available for colic, and this is why the treatments offered by medical professionals varies considerably on the grounds of country and etc.
- Homeopathy: A good number of homeopathic treatments are available in the market top treat the health problem of baby colic. These are actually apt for the babies as they are completely allergen-free andside-effects free.
- Complementary therapies: Wrap your child in a warm blanket as this will inhibit the Moro reflex and will bring them back when they feel startled. In addition, you may also try giving them a proper massage. Try an expert hand who knows exactly how to do it.
- Medicines: Only when the real cause of their being colicky can be detected, various medicines can work. However, a very frequently used product is gripe water. Almost every infant should be given gripe water, where the amount is settled as per the doctor’s suggestion.
- Self-care: Mothers must take care of their infants. They should not feed them anything that is not properly cleaned and washed. No empty bottles should be given to the kids to avoid problems of gas and boating stomach. They must be kept under severe hygiene conditions to avoid the presence of catching infection.
Hygiene is the most important factor. All mothers must take proper care of their children so that they do not eat or put in mouth any dirty objects that may later cause the problem of infection in stomach. Do not let them suck empty bottles because, by that they may create problems of gas and bloating stomach.
Summary:
Complete hygiene, best eating practices and apt care is best to deal with the problem of baby colic. Very common among infants, this problem can actually hamper your child’s health, if not treated aptly. Hence, on noticing these symptoms, it is advised to consult your pediatrician quickly.
Written by: healthplus24 team
Date last updated: January 04, 2010