Paediatrics - Infantile Colic Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is infantile colic?
Regular, prolonged crying of unknown cause in an otherwise healthy infant.
What are typical symptoms of infantile colic?
Infant appears in pain, cries for long periods, stiffens body, curls legs; usually resolves by 3–4 months of age.
When does infantile colic typically begin and end?
Begins within weeks of birth and usually resolves by 3–4 months.
What does the word ‘colic’ derive from?
Latin ‘colon,’ meaning large intestine.
What are some hypothesized causes of infantile colic?
Undeveloped digestive system, trapped gas, food intolerances, low gut microbiota diversity, over-stimulation.
Why is colic often worse in the late afternoon or evening?
Due to newborn over-stimulation and circadian patterns—symptoms tend to occur at predictable times.
How can burping help with colic?
Burping for as long as the infant feeds helps reduce trapped air in the intestines.
Which probiotic has been shown to reduce colic symptoms in breastfed babies?
Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri).
Name two physical techniques to relieve colic discomfort.
‘Tiger hold’, bicycling legs, gentle abdominal massage (clockwise).
What essential oils can be used in massage for colic, and how should they be diluted?
Chamomile and mandarin (or lavender); 2 drops in 1 tbsp carrier oil (e.g., almond).
At what temperature should a colicky baby be bathed?
37°C.
How can fennel seed tea help with colic?
It’s antispasmodic, carminative, and galactagogue; supports digestion and reduces gas.
How much fennel seed tea should a breastfeeding mother drink?
3–6 cups daily (1 tsp fennel in 300 mL water, boiled for 10–15 min).
What is the fennel tea dosage for formula-fed babies?
1 tsp of the cooled mixture before feeds or added to milk.
How is chamomile tea used for colic?
Carminative, antispasmodic; cooled and boiled tea given in age-adjusted doses via syringe.
What dietary triggers should breastfeeding mothers avoid?
Dairy, chocolate, eggs, soy, caffeine, lentils, spicy and gas-forming foods.
What environmental factors should be minimized to help with colic?
Loud noise, flashing lights, busy rooms, screens.
How can closeness help reduce colic?
Swaddling, babywearing, breastfeeding on demand in quiet settings can soothe the infant.
What aspect of parental health should be addressed in colic cases?
Parental anxiety and stress.
Which remedy is used if antibiotics were given soon after birth?
Sulphur.
What homeopathic remedy is used for constipation after opioid exposure in labor?
Opium.
Which remedy is for milk intolerance with vomiting and diarrhea?
Aethusa.
What remedy suits screaming, irritable infants relieved by rocking?
Chamomilla.
