Colic - Causes

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a normal babies crying and that of a colicky baby. Colic will typically start when the baby is only a few weeks old and continue until about three months of age. Slightly less than half of colicky babies will continue until up to 6 months of age.

We are still learning what causes colic in infants, however the following factors might play some role in developing colic:

• Some doctors believe the baby has difficulty digesting food and some studies indicate milk sensitivity or allergies as a possible cause.
• Some studies point to an inability for the baby to regulate crying and his/her personality. The baby may be extremely sensitive to the environment and because of the premature nervous system not be able to regulate their crying.
• Air swallowed during feeding or finger sucking may distend the stomach and intestines causing pain.
• Reflux esophagitis is another possible cause. The esophagus can become irritated from the stomach contents and acid which backs up into the esophagus.

• Introduction
• Signs & symptoms
• Cause
• Diagnose/Treat
• Natural course of disease
• When to call your doctor