eMedicine Specialties > Pediatrics: General Medicine > Gastroenterology

Colic: Differential Diagnoses & Workup

Author: Prashant G Deshpande, MD, Attending Pediatrician, Department of Pediatrics, Christ Hospital Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, Illinois; Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Palos Community Hospital, Palos Heights, Illinois; Assistant Clinical Professor Of Pediatrics, University Of Illinois at Chicago
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Oct 7, 2009

Differential Diagnoses

Bronchiolitis
Otitis Media
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Pneumonia
Intussusception
Protein Intolerance
Meningitis, Aseptic
Soy Protein Intolerance
Meningitis, Bacterial

Other Problems to Be Considered

The differential diagnosis of infantile colic may include all common and uncommon causes of excessive crying. The following is a partial list of other causes of excessive crying in an infant:

  • Corneal abrasion
  • Hair wrapped around toes and fingers
  • Strangulated hernia
  • Torsion of testis or appendix of the testis

Workup

Laboratory Studies

  • Laboratory studies are usually not indicated in colic unless the physician suspects another condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux.
  • If the patient's stools are excessively watery, testing them for excess reducing substances (Clinitest) may be worthwhile. If results are positive, this may be an indication of an underlying GI problem, such as acquired (postinfectious) lactose intolerance. Stool may be tested for occult blood to rule out cow's milk allergy (CMA).
  • Irritability and crying may be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease because of the pain associated with esophagitis.

More on Colic

Overview: Colic
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Colic
Treatment & Medication: Colic
Follow-up: Colic
References
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References

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Further Reading

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Keywords

colic syndrome, evening colic, infantile colic, 3-month colic, incessant crying, nonstop crying, periodic crying, episodic crying, sepsis, otitis, strangulated hernia, maternal smoking, cow's milk allergy, CMA, treatment, diagnosis

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Prashant G Deshpande, MD, Attending Pediatrician, Department of Pediatrics, Christ Hospital Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, Illinois; Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Palos Community Hospital, Palos Heights, Illinois; Assistant Clinical Professor Of Pediatrics, University Of Illinois at Chicago
Prashant G Deshpande, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Chris A Liacouras, MD, Director of Pediatric Endoscopy, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Associate Professor, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania
Chris A Liacouras, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Pfizer Inc Stock Investment from financial planner; Avanir Pharma Stock Investment from financial planner ; WebMD Salary and stock Employment and investment from financial planner

Managing Editor

Stefano Guandalini, MD, Director, University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program, Section Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital
Stefano Guandalini, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association, European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Steven M Schwarz, MD, FAAP, FACN, AGAF, Professor of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Downstate, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center
Steven M Schwarz, MD, FAAP, FACN, AGAF is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Nutrition, American College of Physician Executives, American Gastroenterological Association, American Pediatric Society, Gastroenterology Research Group, New York Academy of Medicine, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: TAP Pharmaceuticals Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Curemark, LLC Consulting fee Board membership; Centocor, Inc. Grant/research funds Independent contractor

Chief Editor

Carmen Cuffari, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology/Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Carmen Cuffari, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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