Recognizing colic in babies

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Resident Doctor Dang Thi Ngoan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
When a fussy infant cannot be comforted, it is most likely because he is suffering from colic. Although not able to say, but parents can still recognize colic in babies through a few signs.

1. Causes of colic in babies

Many times a fussy baby makes a mother extremely stressed and worried, especially if this happens often. If the baby cries, luckily this doesn't last. Babies cry the longest for only about three hours a day after they are 6 weeks old. Then reduce it to an hour or two a day when your baby is 3 to 4 months old. After that, the baby stopped crying and played well for the rest of the day, with no cause for concern.
Babies may cry more than usual when hurt, sick, hungry, hot, cold or too tired, allergic to formula or foods found in breast milk.
If your baby doesn't stop crying but instead cries more throughout the day or night, he may have colic. About 25% of babies have colic, usually between the 2nd and 4th weeks.

2. Symptoms of colic in infants and children

Colic in infants and young children usually occurs in babies under 3 months of age. Your baby may have colic if the following symptoms are present:
The baby cries louder and is crying (as if screaming or in pain). Babies cry more in the late afternoon or evening. Cry for at least 3 hours 3 days a week or more for at least 3 weeks. Parents are often unable to comfort or soothe a child in pain. The child may have a stiff abdomen, clenched fists, or arched back during pain. The baby cries very loudly, often screams, stretches or raises his legs, and may fart. Confusion or muscle pain, painful facial expression (eyes closed, grimacing, ..) Unusual or grumpy behavior Child eats and sleeps worse than usual. Nausea or diarrhea . Your baby's stomach may be distended with gas.

3. Some gastrointestinal diseases cause colic in babies

3.1. Flatulence

In infants, colic and bloating often go hand in hand. Bloating can be caused by:
Bacteria in the gut Swallowing the air Difficulty digesting formula or certain foods There are problems with breast milk when the mother eats certain foods. If you're breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about your diet. You can deal with colic in your baby by avoiding foods that can affect your baby. If your baby is taking formula, ask your doctor if switching to another might help.

3.2. Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive disorder. If your child has trouble passing stools, has dry bowel movements, or nothing at all, he or she may be constipated. Some reasons for constipation in children include:
Poor bowel movements. Children are not eating enough fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Not drinking enough water Change your diet or habits. Taking certain medications can also cause constipation in babies with a milk allergy. Although this condition can occur in infants, it is more common when babies start eating solid foods. The best way to soothe infant colic due to constipation is to get the bowels moving again. There are several ways that you can apply including:
Give your child prune juice. Eliminate foods that cause constipation from your child's diet, like milk and cheese. Get your child to be physically active on a regular basis. If the abdominal pain in children due to constipation improves poorly, parents should take the child to a medical center for appropriate treatment. Absolutely do not arbitrarily give children laxatives. The baby's immature digestive system needs a careful examination by a doctor.

3.3. Reflux

In gastroesophageal reflux disease in children, the child may feel a burning sensation in the esophagus due to the reflux of stomach acid. Sometimes, babies with reflux have a digestive disorder called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Signs include:
The child refuses to eat. Hiccup. Gag or choke. Cough a lot, especially at night. Wheeze. Frequent ear infections. Vomiting or spitting up a lot. Poor weight gain. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

3.4. Stomach pain

Stomach upset can happen in children, but fortunately it's usually not caused by something serious.
However, stomach upset can be painful, so you need to correct this situation for your child by taking him to the doctor right away.

4. What can parents do to ease their child's colic?

Parents can take some measures to ease fussiness, crying and colic in babies by:
Using bottles that keep babies from swallowing too much air. Have the baby sit while feeding. Hold the baby in your arms, carry the baby or carry the baby in the front, or put the baby in a stroller or bassinet. Pushing your baby gently helps ease the pain. Movement and physical contact will reassure your baby, even if the colic persists. Give your child a warm bath. Wrap a towel to keep the baby warm. Abdominal massage for children. Do not force your baby to suckle excessively, this can make the baby uncomfortable. Wait at least two to two and a half hours before giving your baby the next feed. Place your baby on his/her stomach for a moment and rub her back gently. The pressure on your baby's belly will be eased. Wrap your baby in a large, thin blanket so she feels safe and warm. As a key area of ​​Vinmec Medical system, Pediatrics Department always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of leading pediatricians: including leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. Doctors All are well-trained, professional, with a mind - range, understanding young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment. Doctor Dang Thi Ngoan used to be a lecturer in the Department of Pediatrics - Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Having been granted certificates in Pediatrics at home and abroad such as: Westmead Hospital, Australia; Hai Phong Medical University. Currently, Doctor Ngoan is a Pediatrician - Neonatologist at the Neonatal Department of Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital

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