Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- presence of risk factors
- generally well and thriving
Other diagnostic factors
- normal urine
- absence of recurrent vomiting
- absence of diarrhoea
- normal temperature
- absence of abdominal distension
- normal tympanic membrane
- absence of signs of physical trauma
Risk factors
- infants <5 months of age
- food sensitivity
- exposure to cigarette smoke
- lack of breastfeeding
- parental psychosocial factors
- increased parental age
- high level of parental education
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- clinical evaluation
Investigations to consider
- urinalysis
- urine culture
- plain x-ray of a suspected fractured area
- abdominal x-ray
Treatment algorithm
breastfed
formula-fed
persistent colic despite behavioural and dietary modifications
Contributors
Authors
Alexander K.C. Leung, MB BS, FRCPC, FRCP, FRCPCH, FAAP
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics
The University of Calgary
Calgary
Alberta
Canada
Disclosures
AKCL is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.
Acknowledgements
Dr Alexander K.C. Leung would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Jean-François Lemay, a previous contributor to this topic.
Disclosures
JFL is the author of a reference cited in this topic.
Peer reviewers
Deepak Kamat, MD, PhD
Professor of Pediatrics
Wayne State University
Vice Chair of Education
Director
Institute of Medical Education
The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Detroit
MI
Disclosures
DK declares that he has no competing interests.
Ellis Hon, MD, FAAP
Professor of Pediatrics
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Sha Tin
New Territories
Hong Kong SAR
The People's Republic of China
Disclosures
EH declares that he has no competing interests.
References
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.Full text Abstract
Critch J. Infantile colic: is there a role for dietary interventions? Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Jan;16(1):47-9.Full text Abstract
Reference articles
A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.
Differentials
- Urinary tract infection
- Otitis media
- GORD
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- Postnatal care
- Unsettled or crying babies
More GuidelinesPatient information
Colic in babies
Postnatal depression
More Patient information
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