Infantile colic

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).

Infantile colic is defined as paroxysms of uncontrollable crying or fussing in an otherwise healthy (no evidence of faltering growth, fever, or illness) and well-fed infant aged <5 months. The duration of crying is >3 hours per day, and >3 days per week, for at least 3 weeks.[1]Wessel MA, Cobb JC, Jackson EB, et al. Paroxysmal fussing in infancy, sometimes called "colic." Pediatrics. 1954 Nov;14(5):421-35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13214956?tool=bestpractice.com The crying typically starts in the first weeks of life and ends by 4-5 months of age.