Can infantile colic cause constipation?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on December 24, 2024
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Infantile colic can cause constipation. It is first important to understand that colic is caused by abnormal intestinal movements and stimulation of the intestinal mucosa, leading to pain symptoms. This is often due to increased intestinal gas or constipation, which disrupt normal intestinal movements and thus also cause symptoms of constipation. In such cases, one can first try abdominal massage to promote intestinal movements and help the expulsion of gas and stool, thereby alleviating symptoms. Additionally, taking probiotics orally can regulate gastrointestinal function and aid in digestion and absorption. Attention should also be paid to dietary adjustments, preferably eating light and easily digestible food to reduce the production of intestinal gas and alleviate its symptoms. If symptoms persist for a long time without significant relief, it is still necessary to have a specialist doctor examine and prescribe medication accordingly.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Can infantile colic cause vomiting milk?

Intestinal colic can cause vomiting. There are many reasons for intestinal colic, mainly due to the incorrect nursing posture of the mother and the baby swallowing a large amount of air when crying, leading to intestinal bloating, which then causes intestinal irritation. Additionally, it could be due to the high protein and sugar content in breast milk or formula, which increases the load on the baby's digestive system, leading to intestinal bloating and stimulating bleeding from intestinal colic. Any painful stimulus can lead to intestinal colic in babies. During pain, some of the body's emergency responses, such as gastrointestinal spasms and stomach contractions, can lead to vomiting. Therefore, it is crucial to control the diet for babies experiencing abdominal pain, especially those diagnosed with intestinal colic. It is important to monitor whether the baby has symptoms like abdominal bloating or abnormal stools. In daily life, adopting a diet of frequent small meals can help reduce acute intestinal occurrences and minimize irritation to the intestinal walls.

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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)

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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Infantile colic generally occurs at what time?

Infantile colic generally occurs in children within the first few days to three months after birth and is more commonly observed at night. When a child experiences colic, you can apply a warm compress to their abdomen, focusing around the navel, and massage clockwise for ten minutes at a time, three times a day. Additionally, you can also try massaging the child or using the "airplane hold". If the child cries intensely and the abdominal massage is not effective, it is crucial to bring the child to the hospital promptly for an abdominal X-ray. For prevention, ensure to burp the child ten minutes after feeding and regularly massage the abdomen between feeds.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Can infants with colic drink probiotics?

Infants with colic can consume probiotics because colic is largely due to the immature digestive system of the infant. If the abdomen is exposed to temperature changes, overfeeding occurs, or certain nutrients in the food are improperly combined, it can lead to intestinal gas and indigestion, triggering symptoms of colic. Oral probiotics can alleviate these symptoms and reduce the incidence of colic. Additionally, it is important to strengthen abdominal care for the baby to prevent exposure to cold, and abdominal massages can also help. Massage around the navel in a clockwise direction for 5-10 minutes to promote intestinal gas expulsion, which can also help relieve colic. To gradually alleviate infant colic, the above methods should be used. As for the choice of probiotics, it is still necessary to first identify the cause and then provide targeted quality treatment.

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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.