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Infantile Colic (Colic)
What is colic in babies?
Colic can be very distressing for both parent and
child. It can affect 5% to 19% of the infant
population and causes one in six families to consult
a health professional The strict definition of colic
is crying for more than three hours per day in at
least three days in a week over at least three weeks
in an otherwise healthy and thriving child. Other
symptoms such as high pitched pain cry, excessive
wind, pulling knees to the chest & difficulty
passing stools have been attributed to colic but
these are not always present and do not need to be,
to reach a diagnosis.
What
causes colic?
As the name
would suggest colic is often attributed to a problem
with the gut. The meaning of the word 'colic',
derived from the Greek word 'kolikos' (large
intestine) is a reflection of this hypothesis.
However most experts now agree that it is unlikely
to have a single cause (aetiology) and is more
likely that a number of different problems co-exist
(multifactorial aetiology), with excessive crying
being the final common pathway.
It is important
to remember that no one of these factors is likely
to be a causative on its own. Little work has been
done into the causative factors so we have to also
use intervention studies (studies that examine how a
certain intervention affect the symptoms) to guide
us in this area.
Some of
these factors may include.
-
Transient
intolerance to cows milk proteins.
-
Lactose
intolerance (possibly transient)
-
Mechanical
problems associated with pregnancy, labour or
assisted delivery.
In cases where
there is a multitude of causative factors simply
reducing a few or even one of the aetiologies can be
enough to bring them below the symptomatic
threshold. It is the unique ability of osteopaths to
untangle complex interactions of causative factors
that has seen it recommended by both parents and
health professionals more and more over the years.
One open 4-week
study of 28 infants found that cranial osteopathy
reduced the amount of daily crying by 63% compared
to 23 % in the control group. Improvement in
sleeping was 11% and 2% respectively. The authors
note that even when cows milk protein and lactose
intolerance are factored in, the response was still
good. however more research is required.
What else
can I do to alleviate the symptoms of colic?
General
advice
Remember
that colic is quite common, it is not an indication
that your baby is rejecting you or that you are not
a good parent, are not feeding them correctly or
that they have behavioural difficulties.
Holding the
baby through the crying
episode may be helpful. However, if there are times
when the crying feels intolerable, it is best to put
the baby down somewhere safe and take a few minutes'
to gather yourself.
Soothing
a crying infant include:
-
Gentle
motion (e.g. pushing the pram or a ride in the
car).
-
White noise'
(e.g. vacuum cleaner, hairdryer, running water).
-
Bathing in a
warm bath.
Look after
yourself!
-
Ask family
and friends for support — parents need to be
able to take a break.
-
Rest when
the baby is asleep.
-
Meet other
parents with babies of the same age.
CRY-SIS is a support group for
families with excessively crying, sleepless, and
demanding children. Their helpline is available
every day from 9 am to 10 pm. Tel: 08451 228 669.
The CRY-SIS website
www.cry-sis.org.uk
also contains useful information.
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