Distinguishing Between Colic and Other Causes of Crying
If your baby has
colic, you may be concerned that a health condition is
causing the excessive crying. Usually a baby with colic is not crying because
of pain or physical discomfort. But it is important to be aware that
health problems or injuries can cause a baby to cry excessively. And it is important to watch
for related signs.
A baby who is in pain may:
- Have a furrowed brow, wrinkled forehead, or
closed eyes.
- Have a change in his or her daily activities or
behavior (such as decreased appetite, irritability, restlessness, or agitated
behavior).
- Sleep more or less than usual. He or she may suddenly
start waking up during sleeping, appearing to be in pain. Even if a baby is
having severe pain, the baby may take short naps because he or she is
exhausted.
- Grunt when breathing or hold his or her
breath.
- Have clenched fists and pull his or her legs up or
kick.
- Cling to whoever holds him or her, or the baby may be limp
and not move at all.
- Flinch and move to protect a painful area of
his or her body when touched.
Common infections in babies that may cause
crying are:
A medical condition such as
hydrocephalus can cause a baby to cry
excessively.
Injuries that may cause crying and can be
difficult to identify are:
- A corneal abrasion. This is a scratch on the
clear covering (cornea) that covers the colored part of the
eye.
- A broken collar bone (fractured clavicle).
- A hair
wound tightly around a finger or the penis. The hair usually comes from an
adult when changing or holding the baby.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
| Last Revised | May 10, 2011 |