As any parent with a distressed, crying baby knows, colic affects a whole household, and can be very frustrating and upsetting for parents.
Colic is defined as repeated episodes of excessive and inconsolable crying in a newborn baby which otherwise appears to be perfectly healthy. The condition affects up to 1 in 5 babies.
Symptoms of colic can include:- Crying for at least three hours a day, at least three days a week, for at least three weeks
- Drawing up of the knees
- Wind
- Redness of the face
Research has found that Transient Lactase Deficiency is an important factor for many babies with colic. A lack of lactase enzyme in the small intestine results in a baby's inability to fully digest the milk-sugar lactose. The undigested lactose is then broken down in the bowel, producing lactic acid and hydrogen gas. This leads to severe discomfort, bloating and wind.
