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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Colic and Constipation?

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Colic and constipation are two different digestive conditions that can affect infants:

Colic:

  • Frequent crying in a baby that is otherwise healthy.
  • Defined as crying for three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and lasting for more than three weeks.
  • Common causes include gas in the digestive system, milk allergy, or milk intolerance.
  • Symptoms include excessive crying, witching hours, and needing constant stimulation like bouncing, pacifiers, or car rides to relieve discomfort.
  • Colic usually resolves by 3-4 months of age.

Constipation:

  • Characterized by a feeling of discomfort or difficulty in passing stool.
  • Common causes include inadequate dietary fiber intake, dehydration, lack of exercise, changes in routine, large amounts of milk or cheese intake, stress, and resisting the urge to have a bowel movement.
  • Symptoms include infrequent or difficult stool passage, pain, large diameter stools, excessive wind, soiling, and discomfort.
  • Constipation can be managed by addressing the underlying cause, such as increasing fluid and fiber intake, maintaining a regular routine, and providing gentle stool softeners or laxatives when necessary.

To determine if a baby is experiencing colic or constipation, it is essential to consult a pediatrician to rule out other potential causes and receive appropriate guidance on managing the condition.

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  • What is the Difference Between Colic and Constipation?
  • Comparative Table: Colic vs Constipation

    • Comparative Table: Colic vs Constipation

    Here is a table comparing the differences between colic and constipation in infants:

    Feature Colic Constipation
    Definition Colic is a digestive condition where babies cry excessively due to gas in their digestive system, milk allergy, or milk intolerance. Constipation is a digestive condition characterized by a feeling of discomfort or difficulty in passing stool due to inadequate dietary.
    Symptoms Inconsolable crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and lasting longer than three weeks. Hard, dry, and pellet-like stool or with cracks on the surface, and a frequency of defecation of ≤ 2 times a week.
    Causes Colic is caused by allergy, intolerance, being sensitive and having trouble adjusting to the world, and inability to calm themselves due to sensitivity to stimulation. Constipation can be caused by switching between breast milk and formula, the mother's diet in a breastfed baby, or due to an intolerance to milk protein.
    Treatment There is no specific treatment for colic, but babies usually outgrow it by the time they are 3-4 months old. Treatment options for constipation in infants may include dietary changes, such as switching formulas or adjusting the mother's diet.

    Remember that if you are concerned about your child's colic or constipation, it is essential to consult with a pediatrician for proper evaluation and management.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.