Pathogenesis of Infantile Colic. Hypothesis

Department of Pediatric Radiology of the 1-st State Hospital, Minsk, Belarus, Dorot. Medical Center for Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Amnon veTamar, Netanya, Israel

*Corresponding author: Dr. Michael Levin, Department of Pediatric Radiology of the 1-st State Hospital, Minsk, Belarus, Dorot. Medical Center for Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Amnon veTamar, Netanya, Israel, Tel: 972-538281393, E-mails: [email protected]; [email protected]

Received Date: April 06, 2025

Published Date: April 23, 2025

Citation: Levin M. (2025). Pathogenesis of Infantile Colic. Hypothesis. Mathews J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 10(1):29.

Copyrights: Levin M. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Infantile colic syndrome describes a restless infant whose symptoms of severe pain begin at 2-3 weeks, peak at 5-8 weeks, and stop spontaneously at 4-6 months. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease are unknown. There is no reliable evidence of symptom reduction under the influence of various treatment methods. Based on the literature analysis and our own research, a hypothesis of the etiology and pathogenesis of infantile colic is proposed. It develops in children with genetically determined lactose intolerance if full breastfeeding is interrupted before the cessation of functional regurgitation. The volume of sucked milk exceeds the capacity of the stomach. In such cases, the infant pours out excess milk. This contributes to the distension of the stomach. If the infant begins to receive food that requires treatment with hydrochloric acid, a change in the program occurs and along with the release of acid, a tenfold reduction in lactase formation occurs. Unhydrolyzed lactose causes the release of histamine from the mast cells of the small intestine, which leads to hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid. The child is restless because during regurgitation, hydrochloric acid causes painful reactions. This stops as soon as the capacity of the stomach corresponds to the volume of food eaten. In calm infants, the amount of lactase does not change after stopping breastfeeding. Stopping infant colic does not mean recovery, since the function of the LES is damaged during colic. In addition, lactose intolerance remains for life.

Keywords: Infantile Colic, Lactose Intolerance, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Stomach Physiology in Infants, Lower Esophageal Sphincter Physiology, pH Monitoring, pH Impedance.