Colic is commonly described as a behavioral syndrome characterized by excessive crying, which is paroxysmal in nature, more likely to occur in the evenings, and without any identifiable cause during which an otherwise healthy infant between 2 weeks and 4 months of age is difficult to console.
Infants stiffen, draw up their legs and pass flatus.
Colic is 1 of the leading reasons parents seek the advice of a pediatrician during their baby's first year. Colic is a poorly understood phenomenon. Although potentially adverse sequels have been described, it is generally believed the disorder is self-limited and benign. Since some feeding practices and crying may result in large amounts of air entering the gastric lumen, it is reasonable to assume that excessive aerophagia may be associated with colic. Colonic fermentation is the second proposed source of excessive intestinal gas in infants.