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How to control colic pain in babies ?
Infant colic or baby colic is a
common phenomenon in which a baby cries or screams incessantly
for extended periods without any discernable reason. The
condition is perhaps due to excessive flatulence in the infant’s
stomach and usually occurs in the evening. Though the exact
cause of colic is still unknown, it is believed that prolonged
sucking, either on the breast or a bottle and if the nipple is
very small, can cause such pain. In such a situation the baby
gets into screaming attacks and goes into the foetal position
(i.e. the legs are drawn toards the abdomen) to get relief from
the passing gas.If the infant cries continuously for more than a
couple of hours, it is advisable to contact the pediatrician
immediately.
The symptoms
Colic pain usually occurs at the same time everyday; in most of
the cases it is towards the evening. The attack happens abruptly
without any warnings or signals.The degree of this pain varies
from one infant to another and can last from a few minutes to a
few hours. It subsides when the baby passes gas or motion. The
degree of this pain varies from one infant to another and can
last from a few minutes to a few hours. It subsides when the
baby passes gas or motion.
Signs and tests
Usually babies suffering from colic attack will have particular
method of “crying”; parents can recognize that and take the
necessary steps at the earliest. However, if the crying
persists, a medical examination is advised to ensure that the
baby does not have a hernia, intussusception or other problems.
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The
possible factors responsible for colic
To avoid colic in babies, it is important to determine whether
the infant has any food allergies. It has been seen that quite a
few times this is triggered by allergy or sensitivity to the
formula, particularly cow’s milk or soy milk. Breastfed babies
are also prone to these attacks if the mother drinks cow’s milk
or soy milk. In such cases, it is best for the mother to avoid
those food items and look for alternatives. If a diet diary is
maintained by the mother, colic episodes can be controlled to
some extent.
• Food stuff – nursing mothers should avoid stimulants like
chocolate and caffeine. Milk and milk products and nuts can also
be kept off for some time as they can trigger attacks.
• Medications – the use of certain drugs by the mothers can also
cause colic. It is advisable that the mother consults the
physician to check what medicines can give rise to infantile
colic. |
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• Feeding – if the baby takes less
than 15 to 20 minutes to finish its meal, it can be assumed that
the hole in the rubber nipple is too big. Also overfeeding or
feeding very quickly should be avoided.
Some say that vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage,
beans and other food items that can cause flatulence should be
avoided by breast feeding moms. However, no such evidence has
been found to support this theory.
Some
herbs used for giving relief during colic
• Make a mixture using equal amounts of the herbs catnip,
peppermint and chamomile. Now pour 2 cups of boiling water on
this mixture and let it get absorbed in this for about 15 to 20
minutes. Cool this mixture. For nursing mothers, drinking one
cup of this herb tea at least three times a day is very useful
for combating colic.Even the infant can be given small doses
with a tea spoon.
• Making spice tea using fennel and caraway seeds is also
helpful. These seeds can also be added in the mother’s food.
What causes colic?
What causes infants to go through this painful state is yet to
be determined. Though in the early days, the cause was
attributed to excessive flatulence in the digestive track, the
modern day science does not accept this as the one and only
cause. Studies conducted by the Colic Clinic at Brown University
have shown that almost 50% of the babies suffering from colic
have a mild gastroesophageal reflux. Some infants may also
suffer due to lactose intolerance. Smoking or extreme stress in
the last or third trimester of the pregnancy can also cause
colic.
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Treatment
Medical science has still not come to a universally accepted
medication to treat this condition. In fact treatments differ
from one country to another. Many practitioners are of the
opinion that this is untreatable and hence should be allowed to
take its own course. Others prescribe simethicone which is
believed to be effective in treating trapped gas. While it works
for some babies, many parents have also found it ineffective.
One study has shown that treating babies with dicyclomine, an
anti spasmodic drug that is usually found in medications for the
treatment of diarrhea, is pretty successful in such condition.
However, further research is needed in order to prove this
theory. The method of comforting babies when they are suffering
from colic differs from one another. While some babies prefer
being carried, or covered with a soft blanket others prefer to
be left alone. It should also be noted that babies suffering
from lactose intolerance and reflux tend to cry more and for a
much longer period of time when they are lying on their backs.
However, parents are suggested not to put them on their tummies
as it increases the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS). |
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Some
Homeopathy treatments
Listed below are some homeopathy remedies that have been effective
in fighting infantile colic.
• Colocynthis 6 C and Magnesia Phosphorica 6 C can be used in cases
of severe pain. Dissolve 2 tablets in 2 teaspoons of water and give
these two medicines alternatively every 15 minutes for up to 2
hours.
• 2 balls of Chamomile 12 C dissolved in 2 teaspoons of water can be
given to the baby if he/she is irritable, fussy and wants to be
carried continually.
Other methods for comforting the baby in
pain
• Rhythmic activities like rocking the bay in a rocking chair helps
the baby to relax and calm down. As the babies cry, they tend to
swallow more and more air. This creates more gas and hence increased
pain. Putting the baby in an automatic swing or taking it out in a
stroller is good modes to soothe the baby.
• Soft, rhythmic and melodious tunes also help in calming the
infant. It is a good idea to play peaceful sounds of ocean and wind
or soft instrumental tracks. Soft lullabies are also extremely
soothing. Perhaps that is why lullabies have developed in almost all
the cultures in the world.
• A hot water bag covered with a soft towel can be held against the
baby’s stomach. This might give some relief to the little one.
However it is necessary to check the bag every few minutes to ensure
that it is not too hot for the infant’s skin. In case of the
appearance of any redness, the bag must be removed immediately.
• Another method of relaxing the child is holding it in an upright
position. This helps the gas to pass through and reduces heartburn.
• Many babies prefer sucking an object at such times. Pacifiers are
of great help in such cases.
The effect of colic on the family
Colic can create a tremendous stress on the parents and other family
members. A feeling of helplessness, depression, strain and low self
looms over the family. If the colic attack happens at night,
persistent crying causes interruption in sleep pattern that can lead
to exhaustion. For people residing in apartments or flats,
relentless crying can even cause a strain relationship with the
neighbors.
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Article Contributed By: Sukanya
Banerjee
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