Infantile Colic - A Challenge to Parenthood

Infantile colic is a common problem in healthy thriving infants in first few months of life. It is extremely frustrating for parents as it is difficult to treat and may result in abuse and psychosocial consequences. Underlying etiology of colic is poorly understood. It affects 5-25% of young infants throughout the world. Thorough detailed history and physical examination are mandatory to rule out underlying serious and life threatening conditions. Laboratory tests and radiological investigations are usually not indicated in a thriving healthy child who has normal physical examination. Our aim is to review and assess various management options based on the evidence. Family reassurance and counselling is - themainstay of management. Benign and self-limiting nature of this condition should be emphasized to the parents. Dietary modification is a low-risk option when cow’s milk protein allergy is suspected and a short trial of hypoallergenic formula in a bottle fed infant may be considered under supervision. Simethicone, probiotics may be tried in selected cases. Herbal preparation, sucrose solution has limited use in colicky babies due adverse side effects, lack of standardization of dosage, formulation and poor quality of evidence. Dicyclomine, an anticholinergic agent is no longer a therapeutic option due to life threatening serious side effects. Health education and public awareness program regarding how to deal with a crying infant plays a vital role in the management and prevention of any untoward complication.