Are Colic & Diarrhea Related In Infants?

Some babies with colic also have diarrhea leading parents to wonder if they are related. The answer to this question is difficult simply because doctors arent 100% positive what causes colic in the first place. There are several ideas as to why colic occurs but there is no clear cut answer. So, determining if diarrhea and colic are related is difficult as well, although it is true that many infants with colic also have diarrhea. It could be a cause and effect relationship or they might go hand in hand. It is difficult to answer a question there is no real answer to.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of colicky babies that have diarrhea with their colic. Fortunately, there are a variety of herbal remedies, specifically catnip, that can help with the diarrhea and at least relieve that symptom if the colic pains cant be relieved. The god news is that many times herbal remedies can provide significant relief to infants suffering from colic. This means the herbs are also providing the parents with so much needed relief after dealing with hours on end of crying and screaming.

If your baby has colic and also has diarrhea then you should not just assume they are related and let it go. Babies with diarrhea can become dehydrated quickly, so if your baby has diarrhea you should make an appointment with your pediatrician. Your babys doctor can check and see if there are any other possible causes for the diarrhea and give you instructions on how to treat it and what to do if it doesnt get better. Having a baby with colic and diarrhea is certainly difficult to deal with. But, within a few months it will all be over and just a distant memory.

If your baby does indeed have colic then ask your pediatrician what recommendations she has to offer your baby some relief. She may suggest essential oils, herbs, massage, non-alcoholic gripe water, or other remedies like switching formulas. Your doctor is the one you should turn to for help with colic. And, if you feel like you are not being supported or your doctor is taking the situation lightly then you might want to find another doctor. Many pediatricians believe colic doesnt really exist, so fighting with this will not make your life any easier if you have a colicky baby on your hands at the same time. A support network including your doctor, family, and friends is really important when it comes to dealing with a colicky baby.

Posted in Baby and Toddler, Parenting