What is infant colic and why does it occur
Infant colic is a condition that most parents face in the first months of a child's life. It manifests as sudden, prolonged, and intense bouts of crying that are difficult to soothe. The baby may pull their legs up to their tummy, turn red, and tense up. Although the exact causes are not fully understood, pediatricians associate this with the immaturity of the digestive system and the nervous regulation of the gastrointestinal tract [2].
The role of the gut microbiome in the development of discomfort
Modern research shows that the composition of the intestinal microflora plays a key role in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract in children from an early age [2]. Imbalances in the microbiome often accompany various gastrointestinal disorders [2]. In particular, beneficial bacteria, such as *Bifidobacterium longum*, are actively studied by scientists as a promising agent for maintaining gut health and reducing symptom severity in children [2].
Practical methods for helping with colic
When a newborn has a stomachache, parents look for any ways to alleviate their condition. An effective approach requires comprehensive attention to the child's comfort:
- Gentle clockwise tummy massage to stimulate gas passing.
- Tummy time before feeding.
- The "warm diaper" method or carrying the baby "face-to-face" in a sling.
- Adjustment of the nursing mother's diet during breastfeeding or selection of an adapted formula upon a pediatrician's recommendation.
When to see a doctor
It is important to remember that crying can be a symptom not only of colic, but also of other conditions requiring medical supervision. For example, in newborns from risk groups, it is important to carefully monitor metabolism and blood glucose levels using modern clinical decision support systems to timely prevent hypoglycemia [5]. If fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, or lethargy are added to the crying, an urgent consultation with a pediatrician is necessary.
Sources
- [1] Normal delivery following use of galcanezumab until the first and second trimesters of pregnancy: A report of 2 cases. PubMed
- [2] Targeting the microbiome in pediatric migraine: gastrointestinal manifestations and the therapeutic role of Bifidobacterium longum. PubMed
- [3] Adjunctive Nutritional Supplementation in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Prospective Observational Study Evaluating Quality of Life and Seizure Outcomes. PubMed
- [4] Neonatal Plasma Transfusion: An Evidence-Based Review. PubMed
- [5] Closed loop construction of hypoglycemia risk management for high risk neonates in mother infant rooming in settings. PubMed
- [6] Therapeutic drug monitoring of lacosamide as add-on treatment in a neonate with therapy-resistant epilepsy due to SCN2A mutation. PubMed
- [7] Skin care interventions in infants for preventing eczema and food allergy. PubMed
- [8] Antiepileptic and antiepileptogenic effects of Lagenaria siceraria aqueous extract in PTZ-induced kindling in rats. PubMed
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for reference purposes only and does not replace an in-person consultation with a pediatrician.