Risk Factors in Infantile Colic and Treatments Used by Families

Abstract

Objectives: Infantile colic is defined as repeated episodes of excessive crying a healthy baby during the first months of life. The incidence is between 8% and 40%. The exact cause is unknown, but it typically resolves by the age of 6 months. The aim of this study to examine risk factors and types of treatment applied in this region. Methods: This study was conducted with 400 healthy babies who were born in a single hospital and followed up regularly. The infants were grouped according to Wessel's diagnostic criteria defining infantile colic. The parents completed a questionnaire that requested some sociodemographic data at the beginning of the study, and a detailed anamnesis and physical examination was performed by a single physician. Results: In all, 400 infants were evaluated. There were 88 (22%) in the colic group and 312 (78%) in the control group. Caesarean section birth, maternal smoking, and a mother with a job outside the home were found to be risk factors. It was observed that the colic group had early supplemental feeding. The most common treatments recommended by physicians were natural zinc, probiotic drops, and simethicone drops. The most common behavioral sedation methods were breastfeeding, holding the child, and shaking. No significant difference was observed in recovery time based on treatment. Conclusion: It may be advisable to inform parents about infantile colic preventable risk factors, such as smoking.