Features seen with colic:
(1) The onset of recurrent crying during the first 3 weeks of life (the previous section says that it should not start in the first week). This peaks from 6-8 weeks and diminishes by 12 weeks (3 months of age).
(2) Crying lasts >= 3 hours per day for at least 3 days a week.
(3) Crying is more intense, lasts longer and is more frequent than normal for the age.
(4) The infant appears well-developed, healthy and well-nourished.
(5) The crying and fussing occurs at predictable times of the day.
(6) Crying and fussing are not relieved by parental activities that console and soothe most infants.
Differential diagnosis that may mimic or co-exist with colic:
(1) bacterial infections (otitis media, urinary tract infections)
(2) viral infection
(3) mouth sores
(4) occult trauma or foreign body
(5) insect bites
(6) child abuse
(7) gastrointestinal disease including esophageal reflux disease and constipation
(8) neurological disease
(9) inherited metabolic disorders
(10) cardiac disease
An infant with any of the features described in the previous section (fever, persistence after 4 months of age, etc.) should not be assumed to have simple colic.
