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There is currently no generally-accepted medical treatment for colic, and the approach taken by medical professionals varies substantially from country to country and indeed from doctor to doctor. Many believe that the condition is currently untreatable, and is best left to run its course. Other doctors prescribe simethicone, which treats trapped gas; some parents report that this is effective, but for many others it is not, and research suggests that it is not useful.[6]
One study showed a moderate success when infants with colic were treated with dicyclomine, an anti-spasmotic drug commonly found in some anti-diarrheal medications.[7]
Other studies have found success with probiotics such as Lactobacillus reuteri, which were intended to reduce gas.[8]
Scientists warn that further studies are necessary before any specific cure should be recommended.[8]
Gripe water is commonly known in European homes, Asian Cultures, Canada, Australia, South America and the Caribbean Islands. Generations have used gripe water to help relieve the symptoms associated with baby colic, teething and baby's gas. Approximately 15-35 percent of all infants experience colic.
Unfortunately, most older formulas, some of the modern copies and imported gripe waters are not only manufactured and bottled in laboratories that do not follow the same regulations and guidelines as American FDA supervised and approved facilities, but they also contain ingredients considered to be undesirable by healthcare professionals and parents; these ingredients include alcohol, sucrose, artificial flavors, colors and certain non-herbal ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate and charcoal..
As a result, certain brands of gripe water now are an American-made, FDA-approved lab by professionals who specialize in the proper handling of liquid herbal formulations, including a testing protocol that ensures absolute product safety and effectiveness. This is a drug-free alternative therapy to effectively relieve the painful symptoms associated with infant colic, and endorsed by pediatricians, nurses, lactation consultants, midwives and doulas in the medical community.
There is general agreement that soothing measures, such as pacifiers, listening to white noise and rocking, are often effective in calming the baby during crying periods. Also known as the "cuddle cure",[9] the five S's are known as Swaddling, placing the baby on their Side or Stomach, Swinging the baby, making a Shhh sound in the baby's ear, and giving the baby something to Suck on. Some parents take turns holding the baby upright (which may reduce the pain and crying) to enable the other parent to catch up on sleep. Babies with lactose intolerance or reflux cry harder and longer when left to lie on their backs, but parents are not advised to put the baby to sleep on their front as it is considered a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Various tactics, such as changes in diet or routine, an increase in fresh air or certain herbal teas, are popularly believed to cure colic. While some of these may help in certain cases, none of them is known to be universally effective. The widespread belief in them may be partly due to the suddenness with which colic naturally resolves itself. Many parents keep trying different approaches until the colic suddenly stops, at which point they presume that the last thing they tried was the cure.
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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