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 gastrointestinal 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.

Treatment & Management

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Author

Prashant G Deshpande, MD Attending Pediatrician, Department of Pediatrics, Christ Hospital Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital; Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Midwestern University

Prashant G Deshpande, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Telemedicine Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Sameer Wagle, MBBS, MD Consulting Staff, Division of Neonatology, Northwest Medical Center of Springdale and Willow Creek Women’s Hospital

Sameer Wagle, MBBS, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Mary L Windle, PharmD Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Stefano Guandalini, MD, AGAF Founder and Director Emeritus, Celiac Disease Center, University of Chicago; Former Chief, Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Medicine; Professor Emeritus, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Stefano Guandalini, MD, AGAF is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association, European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, North American Society for the Study of Celiac Disease

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Imaware.health.

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, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Received honoraria from Prometheus Laboratories for speaking and teaching; Received honoraria from Abbott Nutritionals for speaking and teaching. for: Abbott Nutritional, Abbvie, speakers' bureau.

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