Colic (Toddler)
Definition
Western
Colic is defined as incessant crying for more than three hours a day, three days a week for more than three weeks in an otherwise well-fed, healthy baby 1.Up to date, it is yet unclear as to what causes colic in babies. Several hypotheses have thus been discussed but yet, none had been proved conclusive, mostly suggesting reasons which usually revolve around babies being over reactive or over-responding to internal and external stress 2.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Colic is associated with 夜啼3 in TCM, which is defined as the incessant, repetitive crying in the night time in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby for unknown reasons. In TCM, it is believed that the lifestyle of the mother during gestation term is directly associated to certain body types of the babies which makes them more susceptible to infantile colic.
Symptoms Displayed and Classifications in TCM Context
Onset of colic is usually around 3 weeks of age and often subsides when babies are three months old. Colic is usually worse at around six to eight weeks old 4.
Malfunctioning of the Spleen System
Inconsistent faint crying, sleeping in curled up position, prefers to be comforted at the abdominal region, cold limbs, lethargic, poor appetite, runny stools or pale complexion.
Overworking of the Heart System
Loud crying, usually worse in brightly lit circumstances, flushed complexion, irritable, body feels feverish, hard stools or yellow urine.
Fright-related
Sudden crying episodes in the night, crying may be faint or loud, urgent or slow, general uneasiness, easily frightened, grips on tightly, pale or light green complexion.
Causes and Risk Factors
It is yet unclear as to what causes colic in babies. Though, TCM believes that the lifestyle of the mother during gestation term is directly associated to certain body types of the babies which makes them more susceptible to infantile colic.
Inheritance
Mother’s weak body type and/or a high intake of cold and raw food during pregnancy, it may lead to the malfunctioning of the Spleen System of the baby.On the other hand, if the mother is temperament, and/or a high intake of hot and spicy food during pregnancy, it may lead to overworking of the Heart System of the baby.
Lifestyle
Cold fluid intake or being exposed to cold environment for prolonged period of time, leading to malfunctioning of the Spleen System in the baby. Heat accumulation in baby’s body via over nourishment with deep fried or tonic foods, and/or being exposed to warm air for long periods of time.
Others
A baby has immature sensory or reception organs and is still unfamiliar with the stimulants in its surroundings. Hence it can be easily frightened when approached with foreign objects or sounds, resulting in fright-related symptoms in the baby.
Parents and caregivers do not have to be overstressed as crying is normal and is a way for babies to express their needs. Take comfort in knowing that colic is common and temporary. However, if the baby is still sick or in continual pain, do seek medical attention immediately 6.
Treatments
1. Wu Yao – 乌药7
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English/ Common name
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Combined Spicebush
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Latin species
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Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm
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Park of plant used
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Underground Stems
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Action/s
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Believed to improve blood circulation to relieve pain and boost kidney functions.
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Precaution/s
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Take this under the supervision of licensed TCM practitioners.
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2. Zhu Ye – 竹叶8
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English/ Common name
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Bamboo Leaf
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Latin species
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Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd) Munro var. henonis (Miff) Stapf ex Rendle
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Park of plant used
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Leaves
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Action/s
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Believed to help ease heat from body, promotes production of body fluids and increases urination.
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Precaution/s
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Take this under the supervision of licensed TCM practitioners.
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3. Bai He – 百合9
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English/ Common name
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Lily Bulb
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Latin species
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Lilium brownie F.E. Brown var viridulium Baker / L. Pumilum DC.
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Park of plant used
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Bulb scales
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Action/s
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Helps to boost functions of lungs, ease heat from body and comforts the mind.
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Precaution/s
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Take this under the supervision of licensed TCM practitioners.
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4. Chan Tui – 蝉蜕10
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English/ Common name
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Cicida Moulting
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Latin species
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Cryptotympana postulate Fabricius
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Park of plant used
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Exoskeleton
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Action/s
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Helps to clear heat from body, improves vision, eases itching, soothes the throat and reduce chance of convulsions.
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Precaution/s
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Take this under the supervision of licensed TCM practitioners.
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5. Fu Xiao Mai – 浮小麦11
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English/ Common name
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Common Wheat
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Latin species
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Triticum aestivum L.
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Park of plant used
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Husk
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Action/s
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Helps to control excessive perspiration, improves energy levels and relieves heat from body.
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Precaution/s
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Take this under the supervision of licensed TCM practitioners.
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6. Mai Ya – 麦芽12
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English/ Common name
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Barley
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Latin species
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Hordeum vulgare L.
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Park of plant used
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Kernel
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Action/s
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Aids digestion and strengthens stomach functions.
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Precaution/s
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No significant side-effects.
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Test & Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose colic according to Wessel's criteria, which is when a healthy baby cries harder than expected in a "three" pattern: more than three hours a day for at least three days a week and for at least three weeks in a row.
However, as colic is only diagnosed in otherwise healthy babies, the paediatrician will do thorough history and physical examination to exclude other possible causes that could account for the baby’s distress 13.
Home Remedies
Chamomile Tea 14
a) Place warm chamomile tea in a bottle with a pinch of sugar.
b) Make sure it is of the right temperature before feeding it to the baby.
Soothing Measures 15
a) Swaddle the baby comfortably in a cozy blanket and makes a shh-ing sound, which mimics the womb environment.
b) Lay the baby on the side and rock gently back and forth in a sarong or cradle.
c) Play a lullaby CD or sing to him/her.
d) Every child is different, so pick up cues from the baby and do what fits best.
References
1. Health Promotion Board. Colic. http://www.hpb.gov.sg/diseases/article.aspx?id=722
2. Scott W. Cohen. Eat, Sleep, Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby’s First Year. Scribner. 2010 March. Pg149-156
3. «医儿科学»/汪受传主编 - 2版 - 北京：中国中医药出版社，2007.3（2008.5重印）Pg123-125
5. «中医儿科学»/汪受传主编 - 2版 - 北京：中国中医药出版社，2007.3（2008.5重印）Pg123-125
6. Roberts, D et al. Infantile colic. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040815/735.html. Accessed Feb. 13, 2009.
7. «中药学»/高学敏主编 - 1版 - 北京：中国中医药出版社，2002.9（2006.8重印）Pg297-298
8. «中药学»/高学敏主编 - 1版 - 北京：中国中医药出版社，2002.9（2006.8重印）Pg98-99
9. «中药学»/高学敏主编 - 1版 - 北京：中国中医药出版社，2002.9（2006.8重印）Pg549-550
10. «中药学»/高学敏主编 - 1版 - 北京：中国中医药出版社，2002.9（2006.8重印）Pg77-78
11. «中药学»/高学敏主编 - 1版 - 北京：中国中医药出版社，2002.9（2006.8重印）Pg565-566
12. «中药学»/高学敏主编 - 1版 - 北京：中国中医药出版社，2002.9（2006.8重印）Pg315-317
13. MayoClinic.com. Colic: Tests and diagnosis. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colic/DS00058/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
14. Scott W. Cohen. Eat, Sleep, Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby’s First Year. Scribner. 2010 March. Pg149-156
15. Scott W. Cohen. Eat, Sleep, Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby’s First Year. Scribner. 2010 March. Pg149-156