Infantile colic: from basics to treatment

Abstract

Infantile colic is a common condition among infants in which inability of caregivers to console their infants can lead to shaken baby syndrome, child abuse, depression and etc. Therefore it can lay a great economic burden in healthcare and social welfare systems. Even though it is highly prevalent, little agreement has been reached on the definition, pathogenesis or the optimal management strategy for infantile colic. In the past decade major leaps in understanding infantile colic has been taken by researchers. Although our understanding is greater than before, but novel treatments has yet to be introduced. The current review aims to delineate the Rome IV criteria definition, which is the latest published diagnostic criteria. Moreover, gastrointestinal, neurogenic, microbial and psychosocial factors that might contribute to the pathophysiology of infant colic are explored. Also, clinical assessment of infant with suspected colic is reviewed. Important aspect of the management of infant colic is further highlighted by this review. Management strategies, including dietary, behavioral, pharmacological and alternative interventions are also discussed.