Many newborns suffer from stomachache and abdominal pain. The production of gas in a baby's stomach usually causes these symptoms. Intake of air bubbles during nursing or feeding from the bottle, crying or over-stimulation from the environment often generate gas. Other times, gas may be the sign of an underlying disorder. It is important to observe when your baby becomes fussy and uncomfortable and pay attention to any additional symptoms. If this issue becomes worrisome or does not subside, contact your pediatrician for advice.
Causes
In adults, gas is usually released without pain, but the situation is different in infants. A newborn's gut is immature, and during the first weeks of life, muscles of the digestive system are only starting to function properly. In addition, the microbiota, or bacterial flora, that helps humans process food by aiding digestion is still developing and may not be able to process the milk that is consumed. For these reasons, gas can easily get trapped in the gut, causing pain and discomfort.
Colic
Colic occurs in approximately 20 percent of all babies and is characterized by inconsolable crying for three consecutive hours or more, according to the BabyCenter website. If your baby cries, kicks his legs and then passes gas, it probably is colic. His stomach may also look distended. Although there is not agreement about the causes of colic, some experts believe that it is directly caused by painful gas in infants. Colic is not a disease and does not usually last for more than three or four months.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
If you notice that your baby is vomiting in addition to experiencing painful gas after a feeding, he may be experiencing gastro-esophageal reflux. If these signs are accompanied by poor weight gain, irritability and dehydration, this could be indicative of gastro-esophageal reflux disease. If your child is vomiting, has diarrhea and a decreased appetite in addition to gas, gastroenteritis could be the culprit. Gastroenteritis is an infection usually caused by a virus and usually lasts for a few days. Less frequently, bacteria or parasites are responsible for the condition. Fever may or may not be present.
Treatments
If gas is due to colic, burping after nursing, massaging the tummy, swaddling and herbal teas, such as chamomile, may provide relief. There is no cure for colic and remedies may be more or less effective, depending on the child. If you suspect that your newborn has reflux issues, contact your pediatrician for advice. The doctor may decide to prescribe medication, such as antacids or acid blockers. If you child is suffering from gastroenteritis, also seek for medical advice. It is important to keep nursing your baby to prevent dehydration.
References
- BabyCenter: Stomachache
- Colic Calm; The Cause and Treatment of Infant, Newborn and Baby Gas Problems; T.A. Lawrence
- "What to Expect the First Year"; Heidi Murkoff, et al.; 2003
- "The Journal of Perinatology"; GERD or not GERD: the fussy infant; Bhatia and Parish; May 2009
