Infant Colic : symptoms, causes and treatment
Infant Colic
Infant colic is an expression of pain similar to a cramp in the abdomen. It causes continuous and intense crying spells.
Infant colic is a more or less severe pain in the abdomen of an infant under four months of age.
It is characterized by crying and strong irritability of the child.
Photo Michal Jarmoluk in Pixabay
Infant Colic, a mild and transient disorder
Usually, it appears very suddenly and disappears in the same way.
Infant colic is very common and can occur in a healthy, breastfed or bottle-fed child. Strangely, these children eat and grow well.
This condition occurs during the day or night and can last from several minutes to a few hours.
Cause(s)
The causes of infantile colic are not known, but some hypotheses have been formulated:
- Colic is probably due to the immaturity and fragility of the child's digestive system to digest certain foods: the intestine functions poorly;
- Colic can, in some cases, be caused by a psychological disorder of the baby: he does not feel comfortable and manifests his fear through his body;
- The variability of crying can be explained by the difference in each child's behavior.
Symptom(s)
Most often, infant colic results in
- An unexplainable agitation;
- intense and prolonged crying and screaming;
- The presence of a lot of gas and sometimes feces that seem to relieve it;
- A hard stomach;
- The presence of swelling;
- Bowel sounds (borborygmi)
- The baby turns red and squirms;
- Bend your legs over your belly and spread them out continuously (even during sleep).
These symptoms usually appear between the second and sixth week of life and disappear around the baby's fourth month.
To reassure the parents and eliminate a more serious pathology, a medical consultation is necessary.
Prevention advice
To prevent the appearance of colic in children
- It is advisable to avoid frequent changes of milk;
- If the child is breastfed, the mother can exclude a food from her diet (spices, lemon, etc.) to obtain sometimes an improvement;
- The child is bottle-fed, it is important to choose artificial milk adapted to the child;
- It is essential to keep the child away from stress and help him/her develop in a healthy environment.
Test(s)
Usually, when the medical exam is normal, the baby's colic does not require any testing or medication.
Treatment(s)
There is no specific treatment for infantile colic, however, crying and pain can be relieved with a few simple steps:
- By placing the child in a quiet place with a soft light;
- Taking him in your arms, caressing him and talking to him;
- Walking with him in your arms and gently cradling him;
- Give your baby an abdominal massage by turning your fingers gently clockwise;
- Limit the air absorbed during feeding;
- Allow time for feeding or bottle feeding; -
- Try to burp him after a meal;
- Possibly offer the baby a nipple to soothe him.
Other treatments for infantile colic
Some medications can help relieve your baby's pain: your doctor may prescribe pain relievers or antispasmodics.
In some cases, your pediatrician or attending physician may recommend a suitable milk for your baby.
Homeopathy, phytotherapy, aromatherapy and naturopathy can be effective in addition to appropriate treatment.
Homeopathy
It may be possible to use homeopathic treatment to relieve the symptoms of infantile colic.
When colic causes the child to twist and bend, give 3 granules every 10 minutes of Phosphoric Magnesia 5 CH until the condition improves.
At the same time, gently massage the child's belly.
When colic appears day and night in the child, give 3 granules of Cyclone virus 9 CH during the attacks.
To relieve nighttime colic, place 3 granules of Lycopodium 5 CH behind the child's lower lip as soon as the attack begins. Then repeat every 10 minutes if colic continues. Otherwise, wait for the next attack.
Phytotherapy
When a baby has colic, 5 drops of Aloe Compound® (Boiron) can be given. It should be taken before each feeding until he or she is better.
Aromatherapy
In case of infantile colic, after two days of rest: mix the essential oils of wintergreen (2 ml), noble laurel (1 ml), helichrysum (2 ml), in 20 ml of arnica vegetable oil, apply a few drops, four times a day, for seven days.
Please note that there are restrictions for children under 6 and pregnant women. It is imperative to read the precautions for use of any essential oil before use.
Naturopathy
Natural medicine can help relieve the symptoms of childhood colic:
- Have him drink plenty of mineral water to replenish the lost minerals;
- Make him eat rice, rice water and carrots for 2 or 3 days;
- Relax it because stress can trigger this form of colic.
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