Can infants with colic drink probiotics?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Infants with colic can consume probiotics because colic is largely due to the immature digestive system of the infant. If the abdomen is exposed to temperature changes, overfeeding occurs, or certain nutrients in the food are improperly combined, it can lead to intestinal gas and indigestion, triggering symptoms of colic. Oral probiotics can alleviate these symptoms and reduce the incidence of colic. Additionally, it is important to strengthen abdominal care for the baby to prevent exposure to cold, and abdominal massages can also help. Massage around the navel in a clockwise direction for 5-10 minutes to promote intestinal gas expulsion, which can also help relieve colic. To gradually alleviate infant colic, the above methods should be used. As for the choice of probiotics, it is still necessary to first identify the cause and then provide targeted quality treatment.

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What are the symptoms of infantile colic?

Infant colic mostly occurs between 2-4 weeks after birth, generally reaching a peak around one and a half months after birth. The symptoms of infant colic primarily include four aspects: firstly, the child will suddenly start crying loudly and inconsolably, which is clearly different from usual. Second, the crying episodes can last particularly long, even up to about three hours, and may occur more than three times a week. Thirdly, these episodes generally occur in the evening or late at night, hence the colloquial term "twilight crying." Fourthly, with colicky infants, conventional soothing methods are ineffective; for example, holding or comforting the baby does not help, and the child continues crying until completely exhausted before falling asleep. This is a typical symptom of infant colic.

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What should I do if a baby with colic won't sleep?

If an infant suffers from colic and has difficulty sleeping, treatment of the underlying condition should be conducted. It is essential to first understand the causes of colic, which are primarily due to the immature digestive system of the baby. If poor digestion leads to excessive intestinal gas and subsequently causes rapid intestinal movements, it may result in discomfort in the abdominal nerves, thus causing colic. The main treatments for colic should involve both diet and medication. In terms of diet, it is advisable to choose light, liquid-based, and easily digestible foods. It is also important to avoid overeating, opting instead for smaller, more frequent meals. Moreover, the use of probiotics and certain traditional Chinese medicinal formulations can help regulate the function of the spleen and stomach, aiding digestion and absorption. Additionally, abdominal massages can stimulate intestinal movements, facilitating the expulsion of gas and easing bowel movements, thereby potentially reducing the incidence of colic.

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Can drinking milk relieve baby's colic?

If the baby experiences colic, drinking milk not only fails to alleviate it, but can also easily increase the symptoms. It's best for the mother to give the baby an abdominal massage in a clockwise direction, and also choose some prone positions. It's best to opt for exclusive breastfeeding, as such situations are mostly caused by gastrointestinal overload. Therefore, administering probiotics to the baby can effectively provide relief and further observation can continue. When feeding the baby, it is important to choose a good feeding position and to burp the baby promptly after each feeding.

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How many months will it take for intestinal colic to get better?

Colic is one of the most common clinical complications in infants. The principle of its onset mainly lies in the incomplete development of intestinal function in infants within three or six months, which leads to the inability of gas to be expelled from the body normally, thus causing symptoms of localized abdominal pain due to the gas. Generally, as the child grows older and the gastrointestinal function repairs, the situation will gradually improve after three or five months. During this period, oral probiotics can be chosen to alleviate local symptoms, and parents can assist the child in performing clockwise abdominal massage to facilitate gas expulsion. Additionally, exercising by mimicking bicycle pedaling can also be helpful.

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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.