COLIC IN THE NEWBORN: RECOGNIZING AND DEALING WITH THEM - PARENTHOOD

How to recognize and manage neonatal colic

They are triggered by attacks of acute abdominal pain, during which the baby contracts by pulling his legs towards the abdomen, clenching his fists, tensing the abdominals and emitting gas, hence the "gaseous colic of the newborn". .

In dealing with this disorder, parents often feel helpless and unable to find a solution to their child's desperate and inconsolable crying. However, there are some precautions that can alleviate the situation and promote the well-being of the child.

Before proceeding with the reading of the article, find out how to behave when your baby cries thanks to some small tricks that we propose in this video.

The causes

Researchers have not yet been able to identify the exact causes of origin of these painful disorders or the mechanism that triggers them. The most accredited hypothesis involves aerophagia - linked to excessive ingestion of air during crying and breastfeeding - and flatulence, linked to the intestinal fermentation of breast milk.

But there are also those who believe they have a psychosomatic origin and represent a sort of emotional discharge of the newborn, after a day of efforts in adapting to different environmental stimuli. Other predisposing factors seem 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.

How to recognize them

According to a classic definition, we can speak of colic in the newborn when the latter manifests a cry that lasts more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week and for more than 3 weeks: it is the 'rule of 3', coined in the 1950s by Dr. Wessel and still considered valid today.

There are also two types of colic crying: one occurs in the evening hours, while for the rest of the day the child remains quite calm, the other can occur at all hours of the day and is often accompanied by signs such as regurgitation, eyes grainy and hypersensitivity.

The first step is, however, to consult the pediatrician, in fact only he will be able to exclude any other cause related to painful manifestations, especially the most serious conditions - intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, hernia, pyelonephritis, neurological problems - and make a correct diagnosis.

What to do

There is no system defined and universally recognized as valid for dealing with colic. The best thing is to proceed by trial and error, experimenting from time to time what can reassure the little one, reduce painful states and give him comfort.

Although there is currently no drug that has shown a safe efficacy in the treatment of colic, official medicine has recognized the validity of the use of dicyclomine hydrochloride, a little used anticholinergic active ingredient, due to the potential side effects: apnea and difficulty. respiratory.

As for phytotherapy, it recommends the use of carminative and spasmolytic plants, such as fennel, green anise, chamomile and lemon balm.
Probiotics can also play a positive role in treating infant colic, as well as reducing foods more easily rich in food allergens, such as soy, egg, peanut, wheat and seafood.

Particular massage techniques can then create relief, but they must be performed with some caution and by expert hands. Simple and safe remedies can be: trying to distract the baby with music, warm his abdomen with a hot water bottle and reduce visual and acoustic stimulations, which can further irritate the baby.