To assess whether your baby has colic, your GP will ask you about their pattern of symptoms.
They will also probably carry out a physical examination to help determine whether there could be another cause of their symptoms, such as a skin rash.
Your GP may also ask you a series of questions, such as those listed below, to help determine whether your baby’s crying could be due to a cause other than colic:
- How are your baby’s bowel habits? (Constipation can often be a cause of crying in babies.)
- Is there anything in your diet that may be passing through your breast milk and irritating your baby, such as caffeine or spicy food?
- Does your baby have frequent attacks of hiccups and often coughs or vomits up their milk? (Both of these symptoms can be a sign of acid reflux.)
If no other cause of your baby’s symptoms can be found, a confident diagnosis of colic can be made. Further testing is usually only required if:
- Your baby’s symptoms are not improving after four months.
- Your baby’s symptoms suddenly get worse.
- Your baby is failing to grow and develop at the expected rate.
- Your baby has additional symptoms that suggest they may have acid reflux.
In these circumstances, it is likely that you will be referred to a paediatrician for a more detailed assessment. A paediatrician is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of babies and children.
