Pediatria pre prax 4/2012

Infant colics

Prevalence of infant colics is approximately 10–20 % and are usually present at 3 months of age. The cause of colics is unknown. It is defined as uncalmable crying in otherwise-healthy well-developing infant without any signs of chronic disease. There is no known causal therapy. None of the studied therapeutical approaches (simethicone, massages and manipulations, warm wrappings, car ride simulation etc.) was proven as beneficial by controlled studies. Some authors mention positive effect of infant formulae with hydrolysed protein and elimination of allergic components from mother´s diet. However, more high quality randomised controlled studies are needed to prove this effect.

Keywords: infant, colics, psychosocial factors, scientific evidence, allergy.