Highlights & Basics
- Infantile colic is characterized by paroxysms of uncontrollable crying in an otherwise healthy and well-fed infant. Typically starts in the first weeks of life and ends by 4-5 months of age.
- Food allergy may play a role in the pathogenesis.
- Diagnosis is clinical. Assessment should be directed at excluding alternate causes of distress, although <5% of distressed infants have identifiable medical conditions for their crying.
- The condition can be very stressful for the family.
- Managed by supportive counseling, reassurance, and dietary modifications (if indicated).
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Critch J. Infantile colic: is there a role for dietary interventions? Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Jan;16(1):47-9.[Abstract][Full Text]
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