Infantile colic in exclusive breast feed babies: A clinical dilemma

Many newborns and infants on exclusive breastfeeding who appear to be healthy report to the emergency room with a sudden start of intense intermittent crying lasting 2-3 days with no obvious clinical explanation. They may also have moderate gaseous distension of the abdomen, abdominal wall contractions, and the refusal to sip their mothers' milk on occasion. Because the onset is rapid and is linked with abdominal distension, a surgical aetiology is frequently explored. Because vomiting is almost never present, the potential of obstruction is ruled out. Even so, an ultra-sonogram is frequently performed to rule out surgical causes of intermittent intussusception. What should be done in this situation? It is necessary to obtain a complete food history from the mother. Surprisingly, in clinical practice, almost all of these instances have a history of the mother eating chicken, mutton, or another spicy food within 24–48 hours after the onset of these atypical symptoms. Around the world, different societies have distinct dietary restrictions for nursing women. Caffeine, spicy meals, raw foods, cold foods, and sikhye are the most commonly self-restricted foods among Korean women. Cold, hot, and spicy meals are traditionally suggested to Asian moms to avoid because they are bad for both the mother and the infant. Similarly, foods such as pork, green chilies, and tomatoes are prohibited among Hispanic mothers despite the lack of supporting evidence. According to the research, maternal dietary components are eliminated in breast milk, either partially or completely. Some are well tolerated, while others cause GI intolerance or allergic reactions in the newborns gastrointestinal tract. Breastfeeding intolerance is characterised by abdominal bloating, colic, indigestion, and a change in stool colour, texture, and odour. More evidence-based study on this topic is needed, and it should be done briefly to help parents relieve their anxiety and save out-of-pocket medical expenses by ruling out surgical causes or emergency hospital visits or admissions.