10823 Colic

Overview

Colic is a term used to describe severe, crampy abdominal pain that comes and goes in waves. It is a symptom, not a disease itself, and it can happen in babies and adults. In babies, colic usually means long periods of crying with no obvious reason. In adults, it often points to issues like kidney stones, gallstones, or digestive problems.

Yes. Infantile colic affects about 1 in 5 babies. In adults, colicky pain is also common and may affect people who have kidney stones or gallstones.

Colic can affect anyone, but infantile colic starts in babies around 2 to 3 weeks old and usually stops by 4 months. In adults, it is more likely in people who have risk factors for stones or digestive conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain that comes in waves, then eases
• Cramping or aching in the abdomen
• A swollen or bloated feeling
• Ongoing discomfort that can stop you from moving or relaxing
• In babies, long periods of crying and fussing, often at the same time each day

Symptoms in children

• Excessive crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week
• Drawing the legs up toward the tummy
• Clenching the fists
• A red or flushed face from crying
• Arching the back
• Difficulty settling even after feeding or comforting

Symptoms in older adults

• Intermittent abdominal cramping that may be strong and sharp
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain that may move to the back or groin (with kidney stones)
• Pain after eating a fatty meal (with gallstones)
• Changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea

Causes

Main causes

• In babies, colic often has no clear cause, but it may be linked to an immature digestive system, trapped gas, or sensitivity to certain proteins.
• In adults, colicky pain is often caused by kidney stones, gallstones, or a bowel blockage.
• It can also arise from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive conditions.

Risk factors

• Being a baby between 2 weeks and 4 months old
• Parents who smoke during pregnancy or after birth (for infant colic)
• A family history of kidney stones or gallstones
• Dehydration, which can increase the risk of kidney stones
• A diet very high in fatty foods, which can increase the risk of gallstones

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe or worsening abdominal pain
• If your baby has not pooped, is vomiting green fluid, or has blood in the nappy
• If you have a fever, chills, or a swollen, tender belly
• If you cannot pass urine or notice blood in your urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your baby cries more than 3 hours a day and you are concerned
• If you have recurring cramps that interfere with your normal life
• If you think you might have a food trigger, such as fatty meals or dairy
• If you have a family history of stones and want to discuss prevention

Diagnosis

A doctor will start by listening to your or your baby’s symptoms and doing a gentle physical exam. They will likely ask about when the pain happens, what makes it better or worse, and any other symptoms you have noticed.

Tests that may be done

• A urine test to check for signs of kidney stones or infection
• An ultrasound scan of the tummy to look at the kidneys, gallbladder, and bowel
• Blood tests to check for infection, liver problems, or kidney function
• A stool test to look for hidden blood or signs of digestive problems
• Sometimes an X-ray or CT scan if the doctor needs a more detailed picture

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment will probably take about 15 to 30 minutes. The doctor may ask you to press on your belly or your baby’s belly. Do not worry—everything will be explained, and the doctor will make sure you understand the next steps. If no clear cause is found, that is common with infant colic, you may be reassured that it usually gets better with time.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing the colic. For babies, the main focus is comfort and reassurance. For adults, treatment aims to relieve the pain and address the underlying cause, such as a stone or a digestive condition.

Self-care at home

• For a crying baby, try holding your baby gently, swaddling, or rocking them.
• Offer a feed, a nappy change, or a burp after feeding.
• For adults, apply a warm compress to the tummy or take a warm bath.
• Sip small amounts of water if you feel comfortable doing so.
• Rest and try gentle movement, like walking, to ease cramping.
• Keep a diary of what triggers the pain and discuss it with your doctor.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend pain relief that is safe for your situation, or prescribe medication to help relax the digestive tract or ease the passage of stones. For kidney stones, you may be given advice about hydration and possibly medication to help the stone pass. For gallstones, treatment may involve medications or, in some cases, a procedure. Always talk to your doctor before taking any medicine, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for a baby.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually the first step, but it may be recommended in certain situations—for example, if repeated gallstones cause painful attacks, or if a kidney stone is too large to pass. Your doctor will explain the options and help you decide what is best.

Living with this condition

If you or your baby has colic, it helps to create a calm, predictable routine. Keep a symptom diary to help you spot triggers. Remember to look after your own wellbeing—caring for a colicky baby is tiring, so ask for help when you need it.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
• Take regular gentle exercise, such as walking or stretching.
• Find ways to relax, like deep breathing or listening to music.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as these can irritate the digestive system.
• If you notice certain foods trigger symptoms, try adjusting your diet with your doctor’s guidance.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with plenty of fibre, fruits, and vegetables can help keep your digestive system healthy. Staying active helps prevent constipation and may reduce the risk of certain types of stones. In babies, there is no proven diet that reliably prevents colic, but some parents find that gentle tummy massage and regular burping during feeds help.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with ongoing pain, or caring for a baby who cries a lot, can be stressful and exhausting. It is normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or low. Your wellbeing matters—do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. If you feel overwhelmed, you can also contact a mental health helpline for support.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent infant colic, because the cause is not fully understood. In adults, you can reduce your risk of certain causes by staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking. If you have had stones before, your doctor may give you specific advice to help prevent new ones.

Complications

If left untreated

• In babies, colic itself does not usually cause medical problems, but a very fussy baby can lead to exhaustion and stress for parents.
• In adults, an untreated gallstone or kidney stone can lead to infection, blockage of the bile duct or urinary tract, or damage to the affected organ.
• Severe abdominal pain that is not evaluated could hide a more serious problem like appendicitis or a bowel blockage.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good. Infant colic resolves on its own by a few months of age. In adults, most colicky pain settles with proper treatment and self-care. With the right support and medical advice, most people return to a normal, comfortable life.

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