Problems and Remedies

Diagnostic Workup Before Diagnosing Colic has been published by Carin E. Reust, MD, Center for Family Medicine Science, University of Missouri, Department of Family and Community Medicine, MA303 Health Sciences Center, Columbia, MO 65212 and Robert L. Blake, Jr, MD, Columbia, Arch Fam Med. 2000;9:282-283. The research relates to what diagnostic workup is appropriate before making the diagnosis of colic? The objectives of the research are as follows: A MEDLINE search (1966-present) was performed using the key word "colic," with limits to diagnosis, English language, and age group (newborn infants aged 0-1 month and infants aged 1-23 months). Seventeen articles were identified, of which 3 were specific for diagnosis. Two of these articles involved the diagnostic utility of acoustic analysis of crying, and 1 involved the use of a symptom diary. A similar strategy was used on MEDLINE (1996-present) to review infantile gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

How Is Colic Diagnosed? Many conditions can cause excessive crying in a baby, and colic is one of them. Colic is a term often used to describe persistent and excessive crying for no apparent reason during the first three months of life. Colic is diagnosed only after other medical conditions that cause excessive crying have been ruled out. The diagnosis is often confirmed after the fact, meaning once symptoms have improved. The History and Physical Exam Before diagnosing colic, your healthcare provider will begin by asking a number of questions. This will include questions about: The crying (when it happens, how long it lasts, and what it sounds like) What you do when your baby cries Your infant's diet, stools, urination, and sleep patterns What and how you feed your baby Possible causes of the crying. Your healthcare provider will also examine your infant, looking for clues that might help explain the crying. Is It Colic or Something Else? There are many possible causes of prolonge...

Let's face it, caring for a baby is hard work. Your little bundle of joy might cry more than you ever expected. Listening to a crying baby can be frustrating, especially when it never seems to end. As a parent or caregiver, you have limited energy, patience and tolerance. It's common to feel overwhelmed, helpless and possibly even angry by the constant demands of the baby. How to Calm a Crying Baby Check physical needs first: Is the baby hungry? Thirsty? Need to be burped? Too hot or cold? Diaper dirty? Check for signs of illness or fever. If you think the baby may be sick seek medical attention immediately.  Rock the baby, hold the baby close, or walk with the baby.  Stand up, hold the baby close, and repeatedly bend at your knees.  Sing or talk to the baby in a soothing voice.  Gently rub or stroke the baby's back, chest, or tummy.  Offer a pacifier or try to distract the baby with a rattle or toy.  Swaddle the baby with a soft blanket.  Ta...

GERD-TUMS Pepcid Prilosec Prevacid Nexium Speed is what makes TUMS different from other heartburn treatments, both over-the-counter products and prescription medicines. And that means feeling better faster when heartburn strikes. TUMS dissolves easily, travels quickly, and tackles heartburn at the source — neutralizing stomach acid right away. In contrast, some heartburn medications enter the bloodstream and must be processed by the body before they can begin to work. Several hours or days may pass before they take full effect to fight your heartburn. Acid reducers are heartburn medications that decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach. H2 blockers (or H2 receptor antagonists) like Pepcid AC® lower the stomach’s acid production. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec OTC®, Prevacid® and Nexium® slow down the stomach cells that produce acid.