Colic is not the same as acid reflux, though the two conditions may result from digestive difficulties. Acid reflux involves a backup of stomach acid and is common in infants. Colic is less common and involves chronic crying. Both conditions are not usually serious and resolve as your child grows older. Consult a doctor about your child's symptoms to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. In some cases colic or reflux could indicate a more serious condition.
Colic
Although definitions differ, naturopathic physician Steven D. Ehrlich, writing for the University of Maryland Medical Center, describes colic as crying for at least 3 hours at a time, 3 days a week or more in an otherwise healthy infant. Colickly babies also usually cry at about the same time each day. They may kick frequently, draw their knees in close and make tight fists or have hard stomachs while passing gas often. Your baby may cry as though in pain and spit up frequently. Although no one knows the exact cause of colic, it may result from an immature nervous system or digestive tract.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux may involve spitting up as with colic, but not necessarily prolonged bouts of crying. The Mayo Clinic reports that other symptoms of infantile acid reflux include irritability during feeding, coughing, wheezing or crying while lying down after feeding. Reflux in infants results from an immature gastroesophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle that prevents acid from flowing back out of the stomach. Until your baby's sphincter matures, he or she will spit up from time to time.
Triggers
Colic and acid reflux are different conditions, but share dietary triggers. You may notice that eating certain foods affects your child's reaction to breast milk, or that your child is intolerant to the dairy in formula. Your baby's reflux or colic may result from drinking too much or drinking too quickly and swallowing air. Infant colic may result from over- or under-stimulation, so try comforting your baby or creating a more balanced environment and schedule.
Prevention
Women who are breastfeeding should avoid caffeine, soy products, dairy, citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and spicy foods. In addition, they may keep a record of what they eat and how their infant responds. Try a formula without dairy or added iron if you do not breastfeed. If your child has acid reflux, keep him upright for 15 to 30 minutes after feeding, burp him more frequently and avoid feeding him too quickly. Feed your child smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overeating and irritation from hunger.
