What Causes Colic in Babies?
All babies cry, but if your baby seems to be screaming non-stop, it could be colic. Before you reach for gripe water, here are the facts about colic.
What is colic?
Colic in babies may be defined as crying for over 3 hours per day, more than 3 times per week, for more than 3 weeks. A colicky baby is usually healthy, but cries a lot more, often for no clear reason. Researchers estimate that 1 in every 10 babies has colic.
While colic can be baffling and distressing for both you and your baby, it is not a disease. However, it can be hard to cope with a new baby at the best of times, so when your baby is constantly upset, it is only natural to feel stressed.
Symptoms of colic in babies
The general signs of colic are similar to the คาสิโนออนไลน์ UFABET ฝากถอนรวดเร็ว เริ่มต้นเล่นง่าย symptoms of other conditions, so do pay close attention to the specifics. Take note if your baby:
- Cries at the same period of time every day, often in the evening
- Cries even when not hungry, or in need of anything
- Cries in a high-pitched, screaming manner
- Cries more intensely even after being soothed
- Does not appear to have anything wrong
If your baby stops crying after feeding, changing or being soothed, it is not colic. It’s normal for babies to cry when they need something, and to stop crying once the need has been fulfilled.
Causes of colic in babies
No one knows the exact cause of colic, though doctors believe certain things may trigger colic in babies, such as:
- Acid reflux, or silent reflux, where stomach acid travels up into the oesophagus
- Hormone imbalances
- Inefficient or insufficient burping after meals
- Milk intolerances
- Normal growth and development in the digestive system
- Overstimulation
- Painful gas
- Premature birth
Although colic in babies does not usually have an underlying cause, colic can sometimes be an indication of an illness that causes your baby pain or discomfort.
Since babies cannot speak, an infection or illness may make your baby distressed. Heart or brain issues, as well as external and internal injuries, can also present colic-like symptoms. If you cannot seem to find the cause of your baby’s distressed behaviour, or you suspect your baby may have an underlying condition, it is recommended to speak to your doctor.