Symptoms of Infant Colic

Aug 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My daughter has been crying and fussing all day today, and nothing seems to comfort her. The family suspects it might be colic, so I would really like to know, what are the symptoms of infant colic?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

The main symptoms of infantile colic include:

1. Persistent crying: This is the most obvious symptom of colic. Infants may suddenly begin to cry loudly and for extended periods, appearing inconsolable. The cry may sound sharper or more intense than usual.

2. Leg movements: The infant may pull their legs up toward the abdomen with knees pressed against the chest, which is a natural response to try to relieve abdominal discomfort.

3. Changes in facial expression: The infant's face may become flushed, showing signs of distress, and may even experience rapid breathing.

4. Abdominal tension: The infant's abdomen may feel hard or rigid to the touch, indicating contractions of the intestinal muscles.

5. Disrupted sleep and feeding: Colic can affect an infant's sleep patterns and feeding habits, leading to fragmented sleep or refusal to feed.

When parents notice these symptoms in their infant, they should seek medical attention promptly.