Infantile colic - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

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).

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History & Exam
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Citations

Key Articles

Leung AK, Lemay JF. Infantile colic: a review. J R Soc Promot Health. 2004 Jul;124(4):162-6.[Abstract]
Johnson JD, Cocker K, Chang E. Infantile colic: recognition and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Oct 1;92(7):577-82.[Abstract][Full Text]
Critch J. Infantile colic: is there a role for dietary interventions? Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Jan;16(1):47-9.[Abstract][Full Text]

Referenced Articles

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