What are
The colic of the newborn - infant is a behavioral syndrome characterized by paroxysmal crises of desperate crying, which are triggered by attacks of acute abdominal pain, during which the baby contracts by pulling the legs towards the abdomen (flexion of the thighs on the pelvis).
Alongside these symptoms, a certain degree of abdominal distension can also be appreciated, accompanied by repeated anal gas emissions that justify the name "gaseous colic of the newborn".
The most common definition uses crying as a criterion for identifying the disorder; to speak of infant colic, in fact, paroxysmal crying crises must last more than three hours and occur in more than three days a week for at least three weeks (Wessel's rule of three).
The diagnosis of neonatal gas colic also provides for the a priori exclusion of any other cause related to paroxysmal, protracted or relapsing painful manifestations, especially the most serious conditions (intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, hernia, pyelonephritis, intussusception, nutritional, neurological problems , toilets, etc.).
Causes
Aerophagia
The most accredited hypothesis involves aerophagia - linked to excessive ingestion of air during crying and feedings - and flatulence, linked to intestinal fermentation of breast milk.
Psychosomatic Influence
However, there are several references to a possible psychosomatic etiology, which would affect the life conditions of the child. Crying - some authors report - is the only means by which the newborn can express his needs to his mother and those around him, which do not necessarily reflect problems with nutrition, colic or air in the belly. Of course, through crying. the newborn - infant tries to communicate their physical needs, but also emotions, tensions, sensations and annoyances ... both physical and mental needs, in other words, hunger for food and attention.
A high level of stress, family problems and anxiety on the part of the parents also seem to favor the onset of these colic.
Diet
According to other authors, the gaseous colic of the infant (a child aged between 28 and 356 days is defined as such) would be related to feeding. Artificial milk. Legumes, for example, can develop gaseous reactions in the intestine of the mother, but certainly not in that of the breastfed infant, since the phenomenon is linked to the amount of unabsorbed nutrients in the intestine, which as such cannot enter the maternal bloodstream. On the other hand, an allergic reaction to cow's milk proteins can be hypothesized if the child presents gas colic accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, eczema and prolonged and frequent agitation.
Other Risk Factors
Other predisposing factors appear to be related to the baby's failure to burp after feeding, and to exposure to cigarette smoke both during intrauterine life and after childbirth.
Incidence
In relation to the statistical data consulted, neonatal colic affects 10% to 30% of newborns (from the 2nd - 3rd week of life onwards) and infants, disappearing spontaneously and without an "apparent explanation around the third - fourth month. of life.
Quite typically, newborn colic appears in the evening and can last anywhere from one to three hours, only to disappear and reappear the next day, even at different times.
Treatment
See also: Remedies for Newborn Colic
Like all very common but difficult to resolve ailments, gaseous colic in newborns record a considerable amount of studies, information, advice and - today more than ever - pharmacological, phytotherapeutic and homeopathic products.
Medicines
Official medicine has tested the efficacy of dicyclomine hydrochloride, a little used anticholinergic active ingredient, due to potential side effects (including apnea, breathing difficulties, convulsions and fainting).
Phytotherapy
For its part, phytotherapy proposes the use of carminative and spasmolytic plant drugs, such as fennel, green anise, chamomile and lemon balm. In this case, more than ever, it is essential that the drugs are of high quality, to prevent any contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, etc.) from causing damage to the young and fragile organism. Further studies investigating the efficacy and safety of these natural remedies, which are normally used with some success by adults, are also desirable.
Diet
A maternal diet low in the most common food allergens (milk, soy, egg, peanut, wheat, and seafood) may offer relief from excessive crying in some babies.
Other Tips
Particular massage techniques can create relief for the infant affected by colic, but must be advised with some caution and performed by expert hands.
In the prevention of these disorders, it may be helpful to make the child burp once or twice after each meal. Probiotics can also play a positive role in treating newborn colic.
Finally, the counseling and support interventions for parents are very important, with a view to a possible psychosomatic origin of the infant's colic. , make him move or lay him on his stomach on a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth.
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