Colic is a medical mystery in a sense that there is no universally agreed upon causes for it. It also has no definitive medical treatment as a cure. Good news is that colic in baby is benign and guaranteed to disappear in as little as a week or in most cases by the time the baby is three to four months of age.
However, if you are not the type who will sit idly and 'let it pass,' there are myriads of medical and homeopathic remedies available as colic relief.
There are some medicines that the pediatricians may prescribe if the symptoms of colic become severe. Simethicone is an oral medication that treats bloating and pain caused by excessive gas in gastrointestinal system. It has shown to be effective in some babies as colic relief. An anti-spasmotic medication such as dicyclomine also has proven to have some success in treating babies with colic.
Some over-the-counter supplements and home remedies have shown moderate success in treating colic. Gripe water that is typically administered with a dropper is a popular remedy for pain and discomfort associated with digestive system. There are conflicting reports on the effectiveness of gripe water, but some parents have found success with it. A dietary supplement probiotics can reduce gas and some studies have reported its effectiveness in treating colic. Herbal tea is another alternative home remedy that can alleviate symptoms of colic.
If you are unsure of using questionable medications and supplements that can produce unwanted side effects, there are completely un-invasive techniques and measures you can take to soothe the baby suffering from colic.
One of the most popular and often surprisingly effective methods is to create a constant motion for your baby. Create a gentle rocking motion in your arms or a baby swing, or simply by taking a walk with your baby.
White noises or rhythmical sounds are also known to create calming effect on some babies. You can create a white noise by turning on a radio and television on a blank station, running a fan, dryer and hairdryer. There are also some CDs that contain rhythmical noises and soothing sounds. These noises and sounds create distraction for colicky babies, often blocking out their urge to cry.
Colic is known to be more prevalent in babies that are bottle-fed so consider breast-feeding your baby to see if that will eliminate the problem. Lactose intolerance can contribute to colic so eliminating dairy in your baby's diet is an option you can explore. Before you make any drastic changes to your baby's diet, it is important to consult your pediatrician first.
As you can see, there are many treatments and remedies available to help sooth babies suffering from colic. Not all of these remedies will work for your baby so it's a process of elimination to see what works for your child.
|
|