COLIC IN BABIES

Many parents find that there's no greater stress than observing the crying of a newborn. Colic typically results in long periods of crying. It can be very stressful for parents, friends and relatives who are experiencing an experience that is one of the most satisfying yet stressful events in life: a newborn baby in the home.

FEW THINGS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COLIC IN INFANTS

* Colic is self-limiting and episodic.

* Studies indicate that colic is a problem for 5% to 40 per cent of infants worldwide and accounts for 10-20 percent of health care providers' visits in the first days of an infant's life.

* Overfeeding, juices that are not diluted or food sensitivities, as well as emotional stress, can cause colic to worsen.

* It is crucial that a physician evaluate the baby who is experiencing abdominal pain or crying to determine if there are other conditions that could be more serious.

* Do not give infants any medicines or other treatments until they've been cleared by the medical professional treating the child.

What is COLIC? What causes COLIC in babies?

The medical profession and Chughtai lab test has recognized infantile colic for a lengthy duration. In 1954 doctor well-known New Haven pediatrician, defined colic in infants to be one whom, while otherwise healthful and fed well, suffered from episodes of irritability.

Agitation or crying with no apparent reason that lasted for at least three hours per day and that occurred on more than three consecutive days in any week over three weeks." The only alteration (Rome IV requirements) of the original "Rule of Three" is the fact that the duration of colic now is "one plus week."

It is important to keep in mind that not all babies who are fussy suffer from colic. Most infants cry for between two and three hours each day. However, the crying is spread throughout the 24 hours.

The crying or fussing often occurs suddenly and usually after a meal. The cry is loud, high-pitched, and constant and lasts up to 4 hours. The baby's face can be red or flushed. The belly can be distended or visible, and legs alternate between being stretched straight out and flexed. The feet are usually cold, and the hands are tightly squeezed.

Though they can happen at any point during the day or at night, the episodes generally start in the afternoon or early evening, right when caregivers or parents are exhausted. Certain babies are more susceptible to infantile colic than others. If both parents had colic, their baby is more likely to suffer. Colic in infants usually begins around 2-3 weeks of age. It peaks at two months, then diminishes after three months and disappears by three quarters to 4 months of age.

The problem is that, even though many infants suffer from colic, and a lot of lab test online reports research has been conducted on the subject, there is no known cause for colic that has been proven. A few studies revealed no identifiable reason for the quarter of infants who experienced colicky episodes. This is a huge disappointment for parents everywhere.

Many factors could make the symptoms worse for all babies with colicky:

1. To soothe the crying

2. Consuming certain food items, particularly ones with high sugar content (for instance, undiluted juices), could increase the quantity of gas in the intestines and aggravate the problem.

3. Excessive Anger or anxiety, fear or exuberance in the home

4. Numerous other factors that are not yet understood

It is a prevalent issue (around 40% of infants have colic). Talk about any issues with your child's pediatrician, and speak with other parents or family members who have been through similar experiences. Be aware that colic typically occurs in healthy, large active, healthy children who are very eaters and grow well.

Poor-feeding, sick, or sick babies or babies who have serious underlying issues may be unhappy, angry and miserable. However, the majority of infants with colic are typically generally unhappy most of the time, while the infant with colic typically experiences episodes at a regular ("set your alarm clock at the time of the day's beginning and ending") times throughout the day.

Here are some ideas:

1. Don't overfeed! Keep to your baby's regular feeding schedule and timings and the amount of milk consumed in ounces by the bottle-fed baby or in minutes at the breast of the baby who is breastfed.

2. Breastfeeding mothers should be cautious about consuming milk-based products ("you don't need to drink milk to make milk"). Caffeine onions, cabbage, broccoli, beans and other food items produce gas, which can irritate the stomach.

Make sure that if your baby drinks juices, they're diluted or provide simple water. If the baby is thirsty, they'll take it in.

3. Do not drink juices (young babies shouldn't drink juices anyway).

4. For a formula-fed baby, consider switching to a formula containing Whey Hydrolysate (such as Good Start) or try an allergy-free formula (such as Nutramigen Alimentum, Nutramigen, as well, as Pregestimil).

A few studies suggest that these changes could result in a reduction in the frequency and the duration of symptoms for certain infants. It's worth the cost of a week's test to determine if the formula contributes to the colic.

5. You might consider using the baby pacifier. Children naturally exhibit a powerful sucking reflex. The non-nutritive sucking that is associated with the use of pacifier’s calms infants.

6. Other relaxation methods could include massage for infants, a warm bath, and a washcloth sprayed on the stomach.

7. Pause! If the fear, anxiety and tension grow to be excessive (or maybe an hour prior!), Try to have someone else looks after the baby for an hour, then go out. Make sure to maintain an optimistic mindset.

8. Consider walking your baby using a front-pouch carrier, with his legs dangling up and the pressure on his belly.

9. Although there isn't any definitive proof that physical stimulation can help, some parents believe in it. Regular, steady movements such as rocking gently, making "white sound" sounds like vacuuming, or having the dryer near to soothe infants. (Never leave your baby alone near the dryer because there is a great danger of injuries.)

10. The baby should be wrapped tightly in a soft baby blanket ("swaddling").

11. The use of simethicone (Phazyme, Flatulex, Mylicon gas-X Mylanta Gas) and other homeopathic remedies are not proven to be more efficient than the placebo (sugar pills) and are not recommended unless prescribed by the medical professional treating the infant.

Hyoscyamine (Levsin) is an antispasmodic medicine for adults suffering from various intestinal disorders and has been linked to serious side effects in children.

12. Beware of herbal remedies. While some advocate chamomile, fennel and other remedies, there isn't much evidence suggesting these treatments can help with colic. Beware of drinking gripe water except when a pediatrician recommends it because many ingredients aren't regulated (alcohol and others.) which could pose a risk to infants.

13. Recently, there were some intriguing results with specific probiotics (dietary supplements containing yeast or live bacteria that aid digestion). Research studies that have been systematically reviewed investigating the use of Lactobacillus reuteri have demonstrated lower crying times in infants who are formula fed and breastfed.

Although it isn't a cure for colic, probiotics could help some infants. Talking about these options with a healthcare specialist before taking probiotics is essential.

It is vitally important to speak with the baby's physician when you first notice the suspected colic-related symptoms. There aren't any tests that doctors can conduct that reveal "colic," so it is crucial to rule out other reasons for crying or abruptly onset crying in newborns.

Be aware that reasons for crying that aren't as serious include any cause that can cause discomfort. Examine if the baby is hungry, hot or cold, tired, or has food intolerance (gassy and loose stool, which could indicate lactose or intolerance to milk proteins). Other medical conditions that are more serious about being considered include:

·         Intestinal obstruction and obstructions.

·         An abdominal inflammation or a hernia.

·         A scratch on the eye of the infant or ear or bladder infection.

·         Hair or fibers wrapped around toes or fingers and others.

When the baby is given an unremarkable health report and compassion, the doctor is worth their worth of gold! If the symptoms of a colicky baby alter suddenly, then the doctor will review the situation and search for other issues that could be causing the change for any baby.

In the past, the doctor might suggest an over-the-counter medicine to treat gas bubbles for the infant (for instance, simethicone or Mylicon Drops) or even the use of a probiotic. The baby is fed these medicines orally.

Suppose it appears that there are more homemade remedies (or "cures" to treat colic, such as grandparent's remedies, consult your baby's physician first. Also, keep in mind that after 3 or 4 months, the colic goes away as there are no ongoing issues associated with colic.