Can drinking milk relieve intestinal colic?

Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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If symptoms of intestinal colic occur, it is primarily important to avoid consuming milk temporarily. Symptoms can be alleviated by using a hot water bottle or by massage to relieve smooth muscle spasms and intestinal colic. It is also important to keep warm, avoid cold exposure, and drink plenty of warm water. Care should be taken not to consume raw or cold fruits, or chilled beverages, as these may exacerbate the symptoms of intestinal colic in babies. For adults, appropriate medications, including pain relievers, can also alleviate intestinal colic. However, by paying attention to certain details in everyday life, medication can often be avoided. Therefore, diet is crucially important.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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The difference between infant lactose intolerance and colic

Baby lactose intolerance is due to a lack of lactase, causing a range of symptoms, which we diagnose as lactose intolerance. These symptoms may include diarrhea and bloating, among which colic can also occur. Colic is just one of the symptoms. In many cases, such as infant lactose intolerance, severe diarrhea, and bloating, colic may occur. Colic symptoms can also arise when a child’s abdomen is exposed to cold, or other causes of intestinal diseases, such as viral or bacterial infections resulting in enteritis, may also present colic symptoms in children. Moreover, in common surgical diseases such as appendicitis, colic might also occur. Therefore, colic is merely one of the symptoms, and infant lactose intolerance is a general term for a disease.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of infantile colic?

Infant colic mostly occurs between 2-4 weeks after birth, generally reaching a peak around one and a half months after birth. The symptoms of infant colic primarily include four aspects: firstly, the child will suddenly start crying loudly and inconsolably, which is clearly different from usual. Second, the crying episodes can last particularly long, even up to about three hours, and may occur more than three times a week. Thirdly, these episodes generally occur in the evening or late at night, hence the colloquial term "twilight crying." Fourthly, with colicky infants, conventional soothing methods are ineffective; for example, holding or comforting the baby does not help, and the child continues crying until completely exhausted before falling asleep. This is a typical symptom of infant colic.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Does infantile colic occur every day?

Episodes of infantile colic are unpredictable, yet if digestive system abnormalities occur frequently over a short period, they can lead to daily colic episodes with a variety of causes. For instance, babies tend to cry or swallow large amounts of air due to rapid feeding, leading to intestinal gas and stimulating the intestinal mucosal nerves, resulting in colic. Additionally, certain substances in breast milk or formula, such as excessive sugars or fats, can cause indigestion and excessive intestinal gas production, further stimulating colic. When such symptoms appear, parents should first rule out surgical issues like intestinal intussusception or obstruction. Colic episodes can be alleviated through abdominal massage and dietary adjustments.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What to do about infantile colic?

Infantile colic is generally spasm-induced pain in the intestines. During acute episodes, a hot water bottle can be applied to the abdomen to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction can promote intestinal peristalsis, thus facilitating the expulsion of gas and bowel movements, which helps relieve symptoms of intestinal colic. Furthermore, dietary considerations are crucial for infants experiencing colic. Consumption of foods high in animal proteins such as milk, eggs, and fish may trigger colic episodes. Therefore, it is advisable to consume more vegetables and fruits which are rich in rough fibers, as they promote bowel movements and can reduce the frequency of colic episodes.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to treat infantile colic?

If an infant suffers from colic, it is mostly considered to be physiological colic caused by intestinal gas accumulation. The treatment methods include holding the child upright or in an airplane hold, which can alleviate the symptoms of colic to varying degrees. Regularly massaging the child's abdomen in a clockwise direction and performing gas-relief exercises can also help ease the colic. For more severe cases of colic, if the aforementioned methods do not have a noticeable effect, simethicone can be administered to the child, generally achieving satisfactory results. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)