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Date of Award
Spring 2023
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Kaitlyn Gamber, PA-C
Abstract
Many parents and families struggle with the effects of infantile colic. These periods of inconsolable crying with no discernable cause present both emotional and physical challenge, and treatment paths have been somewhat contradictory and unclear. The plan to alleviating the distressing symptoms of colic should be tailored to the cause in each baby. Potential etiologies discussed by researchers include lack of parental education, stressful environments, allergic reaction to cows’ milk, change in gastrointestinal microbiota, or general stomach discomfort due to flatulence. The approach should begin with simple and natural solutions before progressing to the introduction of therapeutic options. Thus, the first line intervention includes behavioral modifications and education of parents. Next, a trial of dietary modifications, hypoallergenic diet in mother or hydrolysate formula, can be attempted before supplementation of probiotics, herbal therapies, and aromatherapy. Treatment that was not effective in research or induced harmful effects in the baby included acupuncture, chiropathy, soymilk substitution, and the use of pharmacologic therapies such as simethicone, dicyclomine, or omeprazole. Overall, further research is necessary with larger experimental groups and bottle-fed infants.
Recommended Citation
White, Izzy, "Evaluation of Possible Interventions Used for Infantile Colic" (2023). Capstone Showcase. 26.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2023/pa/26
Evaluation of Possible Interventions Used for Infantile Colic
Many parents and families struggle with the effects of infantile colic. These periods of inconsolable crying with no discernable cause present both emotional and physical challenge, and treatment paths have been somewhat contradictory and unclear. The plan to alleviating the distressing symptoms of colic should be tailored to the cause in each baby. Potential etiologies discussed by researchers include lack of parental education, stressful environments, allergic reaction to cows’ milk, change in gastrointestinal microbiota, or general stomach discomfort due to flatulence. The approach should begin with simple and natural solutions before progressing to the introduction of therapeutic options. Thus, the first line intervention includes behavioral modifications and education of parents. Next, a trial of dietary modifications, hypoallergenic diet in mother or hydrolysate formula, can be attempted before supplementation of probiotics, herbal therapies, and aromatherapy. Treatment that was not effective in research or induced harmful effects in the baby included acupuncture, chiropathy, soymilk substitution, and the use of pharmacologic therapies such as simethicone, dicyclomine, or omeprazole. Overall, further research is necessary with larger experimental groups and bottle-fed infants.