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Infantile colic
Can an umbilical hernia cause colic in babies?
In general normal circumstances, children with umbilical hernias are unlikely to experience symptoms of intestinal colic. This is because the protrusion from the umbilical hernia is not very large, so the likelihood of causing intestinal colic is very low. Parents should not be overly worried about umbilical hernias causing intestinal colic. However, in some cases where the symptoms of umbilical hernia in babies are more noticeable, it is still necessary to seek active and timely treatment. A color Doppler ultrasound or a routine blood test can be conducted. Conservative treatment can also be considered; if conservative treatment is not very effective, then surgical treatment may be considered.
What to do about infantile colic?
Infantile colic is generally spasm-induced pain in the intestines. During acute episodes, a hot water bottle can be applied to the abdomen to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction can promote intestinal peristalsis, thus facilitating the expulsion of gas and bowel movements, which helps relieve symptoms of intestinal colic. Furthermore, dietary considerations are crucial for infants experiencing colic. Consumption of foods high in animal proteins such as milk, eggs, and fish may trigger colic episodes. Therefore, it is advisable to consume more vegetables and fruits which are rich in rough fibers, as they promote bowel movements and can reduce the frequency of colic episodes.
The difference between infant lactose intolerance and colic
Baby lactose intolerance is due to a lack of lactase, causing a range of symptoms, which we diagnose as lactose intolerance. These symptoms may include diarrhea and bloating, among which colic can also occur. Colic is just one of the symptoms. In many cases, such as infant lactose intolerance, severe diarrhea, and bloating, colic may occur. Colic symptoms can also arise when a child’s abdomen is exposed to cold, or other causes of intestinal diseases, such as viral or bacterial infections resulting in enteritis, may also present colic symptoms in children. Moreover, in common surgical diseases such as appendicitis, colic might also occur. Therefore, colic is merely one of the symptoms, and infant lactose intolerance is a general term for a disease.
Can infant colic cause intestinal colic?
Infant constipation does not cause colic. The so-called constipation refers to the condition where babies aged 1 to 3 months do not defecate for several days or even more than ten days. However, these babies do not exhibit vomiting, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Once they do defecate, the stool is not dry and appears normal in shape. Constipation occurs because the baby's gastrointestinal tract is gradually developing, and their ability to digest and absorb is progressively increasing. Consequently, there is less food residue formed, which does not stimulate the bowel movement reaction. It is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not cause colic.
Can you breastfeed during intestinal colic?
If an infant experiences colic, during an episode, the child will exhibit localized pain causing crying and irritability, generally making it difficult to feed. Firstly, it is necessary to alleviate the symptoms of colic. This can be done by choosing to massage the abdomen clockwise to promote intestinal gas expulsion. Additionally, it is appropriate to orally administer probiotics or simethicone to aid intestinal motility. Applying heat to the infant’s abdomen and ensuring it is kept warm are also beneficial. As colic episodes usually involve severe crying, using the "airplane hold" can help alleviate localized symptoms. Once the child's symptoms subside, feeding can then be resumed, ensuring the quality of feeding is not compromised by pain, which could otherwise lead to insufficient feeding and consequently cause the next hunger episode to occur sooner.
Is pediatric tuina massage effective for intestinal colic?
When infants experience intestinal colic, it is generally due to excessive gas accumulation in the intestinal cavity, where the gas cannot be normally expelled from the body, leading to abdominal pain. Appropriate use of pediatric massage techniques can be employed to treat this condition, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms. Especially, clockwise massaging the abdomen of the affected child has a very clear clinical effect in promoting intestinal peristalsis and gas expulsion. In addition, assisting children with some lower limb exercises can also promote gastrointestinal motility and gas expulsion. If there is abnormal stool, combining oral probiotics to regulate and maintain the intestinal flora can be beneficial. If necessary, medications that promote gastrointestinal motility can also be taken orally to help with gas expulsion.
Baby colic usually occurs at night or during the day?
Baby colic usually occurs in the evening or around dusk. Symptoms of colic almost always appear during a specific time period, although some babies also experience crying episodes during the day or at night. Colic mostly affects babies under three months old and is a common occurrence during the growth process of a baby. When a baby experiences a colic episode, parents should hold the baby upright with the baby's head resting on their shoulder, gently patting the baby's back. This can help to expel excess gas in the stomach. Additionally, gently massaging the baby's abdomen or placing a warm water bottle on it can help relieve intestinal spasms.
Full moon baby colic symptoms
Infant colic is the most common cause of abdominal pain in infants. It generally occurs most frequently in babies under three months old and is a common reason why babies cry and fuss, especially during the first month. Typically, babies suddenly start crying and becoming restless at night. This fussing is not directly related to hunger or illness and it's often difficult to soothe them. Sometimes, the baby's legs may contract, and the abdomen may also show contractions, along with symptoms of abdominal bloating. Gently massaging the baby's abdomen, particularly in a clockwise direction, can possibly alleviate the symptoms of abdominal pain.