Distinguishing between colic and other causes of crying

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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. However, it is important to be aware that health problems or injuries can cause a baby to cry excessively and 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:

• Ear infections.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Pneumonia.
• Stomach flu (gastroenteritis).

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

Last updated:	June 19, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC