Many symptoms of conditions that arise in the body have not yet been clarified by medicine, especially during the first life cycle of the human being and for this reason we do not know how to manage them, one of these conditions being infant colic.
Considering the importance of the subject, in this article we provide you with information on what infant colic is and how it can be managed.
What is infant colic?
Infant colic has been defined as an episode where the baby has symptoms of irritability accompanied by continuous and inconsolable crying , which can last more than three hours a day. (1)
To highlight: This is a disorder that has no apparent cause and therefore is not a disease , so scientific medicine does not have an accurate diagnosis of this condition in healthy children. (two)
That is why one of the most frustrating things for parents is seeing their baby crying continuously for no apparent reason. Despite this, it is important to know that it is quite common, since approximately one fifth of children worldwide suffer from colic during the first months of life.
What causes infant colic?
Although infant colic does not have a defined etiology, the following causes have been attributed:
1. Stomach gas and digestive problems
Gas production in the digestive system has many causes, including the swallowing process. If these gases are not expelled in a timely manner, they can accumulate in the gastrointestinal system , causing discomfort such as stomach aches .
Likewise, other digestive problems that can arise during feeding are gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, acute gastroenteritis, cyclic vomiting syndrome, among others that can lead to infant colic.
2. Food intolerance
Another possible food cause during breastfeeding and that could give rise to infant colic is that the digestive system, especially the intestines, are intolerant of the natural sugar in milk, which is lactose .
Let’s remember that both cow’s milk and breast milk contain lactose and some people are born with a genetic alteration of lactose intolerance, which can give rise to infant colic.
Note: Studies indicate that infant colic occurs regardless of the type of breastfeeding the baby receives. (3)
3. Feeding of the mother
On the other hand, the diet for the mother must be adequate, since the nutrients and chemical compounds that she consumes are passed through the milk during breastfeeding to the baby.
That is why the mother should not consume foods such as alcoholic substances , caffeinated drinks and the consumption of prohibited substances, since they are transferred through breast milk, producing irritability, insomnia among other discomforts in the child.
Important: Articles from specialized magazines recommend adequate nutrition for the mother to promote the health of the baby. (4)
4. Immature nervous system
This manifestation in newborns has also been attributed to an immature nervous system , that is, the baby is extremely sensitive to certain stimuli and does not have the ability to self-control, especially in its adaptation to the sleep-wake cycle. (5)
You should know: As the baby matures his nervous system, his ability to control himself will improve and consequently his crying will decrease.
How is infant colic calmed?
Fortunately, traditional practice and medicine have successfully tested some strategies to calm the baby with infant colic, which we mention below:
1. Comfort the baby
Comforting the baby is one of the most used strategies, but it requires a lot of patience and calm from its caregivers, so that during this period the baby receives the warmth and love it requires to be comforted.
To highlight: This aspect is not only especially relevant in these cases, but it is also of great importance in the process of raising the child during this hard stage, since we must remember that it is also difficult for him.
2. Get the gases out at each shot
Another very common practice that is done almost instinctively is patting the child on the back so that the child expels the gases caused by swallowing food and thus eliminates a probable cause of infant colic.
3. Avoid consuming trigger foods and drugs
The mother’s diet is very important, especially during lactation , since many of the substances she ingests, whether food or toxic, pass into breast milk and from there to the baby, and can cause digestive disorders and trigger colic in the infant.
4. Establish sleep routines
The care of the baby that suffers from infant colic is usually very exhausting, so it is necessary to establish rest routines where couples alternate to care for the baby, they can even use other people who like to care for their baby and thus find a restful rest.
5. See a specialist if necessary
In those cases where we do not have precise information about this condition and despair attacks our nervous system, it is best to consult the pediatrician to guide us on this situation in the child.
Key Findings
- Infant colic is an episode where the baby has symptoms of irritability accompanied by continuous crying .
- Infant colic is a disorder that has no apparent cause and is therefore not a disease.
- Scientific medicine does not have a precise diagnosis for infant colic.
- There are several strategies to calm the symptoms of infant colic , especially crying.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.