Causes of Colic

The word colic is not really a useful diagnostic term. Rather, it describes symptoms that could be due to various causes. So to best help a 'colicky' baby, the first step is to identify the most likely cause.

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Neurological "colic"
This refers to the situation that develops once the baby has been in pain or distressed for too long. They are overtired, overwhelmed and cry a lot. They are in a "fight or flight" state.

 

Treatment for these babies requires that we treat the root cause (gas, muscle, diaphragm) as well as calm the nervous system. Home based infant techniques to lightly stimulate the vagus nerve (runs from brainstem to digestive tract) can have a remarkable effect on gut spasms, lowering heart rate and inducing physical relaxation.

 

Trapped gas and wind
"True" colic generally means trapped gas in the digestive tract. This accounts for the vast majority of cases. Prolonged periods of excessive painful gut spasms can cause the baby to become overwhelmed. It is most helpful to identify whether gas is getting trapped in the upper digestive tract (stomach) or lower tract (colon). Treating the right area will bring much faster results.
 

In our Colic Clinic, we teach the best techniques to release gas and wind out both ends.  

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​Musculoskeletal colic
Some fussy, restless and irritable babies have a muscle spasm or spinal alignment problem. This can be due to position in the womb or birth trauma like forceps or vacuum delivery. Babies born by caesarean delivery may be more prone to skeletal tension because they did not pass through the birth canal and in doing so, get 'stretched out''. 
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There are subtle differences that help us differentiate between gassy or muscular causes. In our Colic Clinic, we teach the best techniques to relax and ease their little bodies.  

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Diaphragmatic spasm or tension

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Some unhappy babies have a problem with their diaphragm - the band of muscle separating the upper and lower compartments of the abdomen. This can lead to trapped gas, reflux, cramping and crying.

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In our Colic Clinic, we teach you how to identify and treat diaphragmatic tension.  

 

Reflux

Reflux, or throwing up of milk occurs for a number of reasons. This can be harmless (ate too much) or painful. If milk doesn't flow properly (gas blocking passage) and digests in the wrong place, the result can be acid burn and pain. Or it could be due to a formula that doesn't agree, an allergy of sorts or in rare cases, an obstruction or narrowing in the digestive tract.

The nature of the reflux can tell us a lot - runny, cottage cheesy, when it happens, etc.

 

Milk and food allergies
Some fussy, restless babies who are diagnosed with colic, don't in fact have true colic, but rather are reacting to something in their diet. This can be a food intolerance or allergy. Careful questioning can help differentiate between food and other causes of colic.

 

There are some obvious signs to look out for but difficult cases may require further testing by a pediatrician or an allergist. 

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​Hunger
Some unhappy babies are simply not getting enough to eat. Their brains satiation center is not getting satisfied and so they manifest with some of the symptoms of colic like crying, irritability, restless sleep. etc..

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This could be due to a milk production problem, a latching or breastfeeding issue and even something as simple as a bottle that doesn't suit their mouth.

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Overfeeding or Comfort Feeding

Some unhappy babies are simply having to much to eat. Their brains satiation center is not yet telling them to stop and the parent gets in the habit of feeding them because it seems to help.

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Constipation
Lots of babies have constipation at some stage, and in most cases, it is harmless and part of development.

But sometimes, trapped gas can cause the passage of feces to slow down, resulting in a drying out and hardening of the fecal matter.

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Other Related Issues

       

There are other issues that may only come up with detailed history taking or specialist consultation. These are often related to environmental factors, other disorders or parental management and stress.​​​​​​​​​