Colic

You can ask your doctor about your concerns regarding your baby's crying during regularly scheduled Reference well-baby visits. But don't hesitate to call and discuss your concerns at any time. This is especially true if Reference comfort measures keep failing or if you notice other symptoms along with the excessive crying.

At the checkup, your doctor will want to find out whether your baby has colic or whether crying is possibly related to an Reference illness, an injury, or a medical condition. To find out, your doctor:

• Will take a medical history.
• Will perform a physical exam of your baby.
• Will ask if your baby has other symptoms besides crying.
• May ask you to keep a Reference diary of your baby's activities.
• May ask you to show how you feed and burp the baby.
• May ask how your baby's crying affects you.

If the baby cries excessively and has other worrisome symptoms (such as vomiting, diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool, or fever), lab tests or Reference X-rays Opens New Window may be done to help the doctor find out whether a condition other than colic is present.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.