colic blood test explained

Overview

A colic blood test is a blood test sometimes used to help figure out why a baby (or occasionally an adult) has symptoms that look like colic – long periods of crying, fussiness, or belly pain. This test does not diagnose colic itself, but it can rule out other health problems, such as an infection, that might be causing the symptoms.

Colic itself is very common, affecting up to 1 in 5 babies. A blood test for colic is less common – it is only used when a doctor wants to check for other possible causes.

Colic usually affects healthy, well-fed babies in their first few months of life. It can also rarely affect adults with severe abdominal pain, but the term 'colic blood test' almost always refers to babies.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Intense crying that starts suddenly and lasts for hours
• Crying that happens around the same time each day, often in the late afternoon or evening
• Baby clenches their fists, arches their back, and draws up their legs
• Symptoms appear in an otherwise healthy baby

Symptoms in children

• Same as above – crying, fussiness, and physical signs of discomfort
• Older children may complain of belly pain or bloating

Symptoms in older adults

• Severe, crampy abdominal pain that comes and goes
• Bloating and nausea
• Pain that may be linked to eating or passing gas

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of colic is unknown, but it may involve an immature digestive system, gas, or overstimulation.
• A blood test might be done to check for an infection (like a urinary tract infection) or a metabolic condition that can mimic colic.

Risk factors

• Maternal smoking during pregnancy or after birth
• Formula feeding (though breastfed babies can also have colic)
• First-born children may be slightly more likely to have colic

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your baby has any emergency symptoms listed above
• If your baby is younger than 3 months and has a fever
• If you notice blood in your baby’s stool or vomit

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your baby cries excessively but is otherwise healthy and feeding well, you can discuss this with your doctor at your next well-child visit.
• If the crying is causing you stress or affecting your ability to care for your baby

Diagnosis

Colic is diagnosed based on a baby’s symptoms and a physical exam. The doctor will ask about crying patterns, feeding, and bowel movements. A blood test may be ordered if the doctor suspects an underlying infection or metabolic problem.

Tests that may be done

• Complete blood count (CBC) – to check for signs of infection
• C-reactive protein (CRP) – to measure inflammation
• Metabolic panel – to check for problems with the body’s chemistry

What to expect at your appointment

If a blood test is ordered, a small amount of blood will be taken from your baby’s vein (usually from the back of the hand or arm). The test only takes a few minutes, and results are usually back within a few hours to a day. Your baby may cry briefly from the needle, but it is a safe and quick procedure.

Treatment

There is no cure for colic, but symptoms usually improve within a few weeks. A blood test may guide treatment if it reveals another condition. For colic itself, the focus is on soothing the baby and supporting parents.

Self-care at home

• Swaddle your baby in a warm blanket
• Hold your baby upright during and after feeds
• Gently rock or walk with your baby
• White noise (like a fan or vacuum cleaner) can be calming
• Try a pacifier

Medical treatments

If a blood test shows an infection, your doctor may recommend antibiotics or other medicines. For colic alone, no medication is typically prescribed. Some doctors may suggest a short trial of a hypoallergenic formula for formula-fed babies, but this should only be done under medical advice. Over-the-counter gas drops or gripe water are not proven to help colic and can sometimes cause side effects.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is never needed for colic. If a blood test reveals a serious underlying condition that requires surgery, that would be very rare and would be discussed with a specialist.

Living with this condition

Caring for a colicky baby can be exhausting and stressful. It is important to take breaks and give yourself time to rest. Remember that colic is not your fault and does not mean your baby is sick.

Lifestyle tips

• Arrange for someone else to watch the baby for a few hours so you can recharge
• Try different soothing techniques and see what works
• Keep a diary of crying episodes to share with your doctor
• Talk to other parents who have been through colic

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a baby with colic can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression. It is common to feel overwhelmed. If you are feeling very down or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, reach out for help immediately. Call your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent colic, but avoiding smoking during pregnancy and after birth may lower the risk. If you are breastfeeding, you may try avoiding dairy or other foods that could bother your baby, but this is not proven to prevent colic.

Complications

If left untreated

• Colic itself has no long-term harm for the baby. However, if a blood test uncovers an underlying infection or condition, not treating that could lead to complications.
• Parental stress and exhaustion are the most common complications of colic.
• In very rare cases, severe infant crying can lead to shaken baby syndrome if a parent loses control – this is a medical emergency.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for colic is excellent. Almost all babies outgrow colic by 4 months of age without any lasting effects. If a blood test was done and ruled out other conditions, you can feel reassured that your baby is healthy. With patience and support, this challenging phase will pass.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.