Background
Infantile colic (IC) is benign and a very common (affects 10% to 40% of infants worldwide).
Definition: Diagnosis is made when the infant has paroxysms of inconsolable crying for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks.
-IC peaks at about 6 weeks of age and resolves by 3 to 6 months of age.
Diagnosis
-H&P to rule out concerning causes because colic is a diagnosis of exclusion.
-DDx and Etiologies:
Treatment:
-Breastfed:1) Gerber Soothe Probiotic drops. It contains Lactobacillus reuteri (strain DSM 17938) – Helpful to breastfed babies with colic. Don’t give to formula fed babies. 2) Consider allergen restricted diet if Gerber Soothe Probiotic drops don’t work.
-Formula fed: Switch to hydrolyzed formula.
-Parental reassurance and support provided.
-Discussed with parents that Simethicone and Proton Pump Inhibitors haven’t been shown to be effective even though many people use them for Colic.
-Dicyclomine works but is contraindicated in patients younger than 6 months of age because of its side effects (drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, and apnea.)
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Reference
Am Fam Physician. 2015 Oct 1;92(7):577-582.