Colic: When To Call A Doctor

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When to Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if:

• You are afraid that you are about to harm your baby and you cannot find someone to help you.
• Your baby has been shaken, has a change in his or her level of consciousness, or has signs of severe difficulty breathing.

Call your health professional immediately if your baby:

• Cries in a peculiar manner or for a very unusual length of time.
• Has not been diagnosed with colic but cries excessively and also has symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or blood or mucus in the stool.

Call your health professional and schedule an appointment if:

• Your baby is not gaining weight.
• Your baby has no symptoms other than crying, but you want to check for health problems that may be related.
• You have tried comfort measures repeatedly and have not been able to console your baby.
• Your baby seems to be acting odd, and you can't identify exactly what concerns you.

Also, consider your own health and well-being. Call your health professional if you:

• Frequently feel anxious or think you may be depressed.
• Feel that you are unable to nurture or emotionally connect with your newborn.

Who to see

The following health professionals can examine and diagnose colic or other conditions that may be related to excessive crying. They can also help you handle the common frustrations of having a colicky baby.

• Pediatrician
• Family medicine doctor
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant

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