Infantile colic: a review

Abstract

Infant colic is an extremely common but poorly understood symptom complex, causing great distress for infant, parents, and physician. Many theories have been suggested to explain this entity, but none are widely accepted. Numerous therapies have been proposed; however, few are helpful. A review of infant colic is presented which focuses on suggested etiologies and therapies, either of historic interest or practical significance. An approach to management is suggested which the authors have found to be valuable.