Infantile Colic

A common condition treated at Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Centers in Appleton is infantile colic.  An infant’s intestinal tract contains a balance of both good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria is primarily bifido bacterium, and to a lesser degree, acidophilus.  Certain factors diminish the levels of bifido bacterium (a good bacteria), causing e-coli (a not always good bacteria) to predominate.  When an infant’s intestinal tract is out of balance, colicky behavior may result.  At our office, we observe three common factors leading to colicky behavior:

1. Cesarean section/birth:  The bacteria actually arrive in the newborn as the baby passes through the birth canal. Babies born via cesarean section do not receive bacteria via the birth canal.
2. Antibiotics:  Although these are sometimes necessary, antibiotics exert a pronounced adverse effect on the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract.  Therefore, when antibiotics are being used or have been used, it is important to reestablish these helpful bacteria in large numbers.
3. Bottle feeding: Infants that have been bottle-fed from birth, or weaned before three months, have far lower numbers of the beneficial bifido bacterium.

An examination and history by our doctors will determine whether a colicky baby is in need of supplementation of Ultra Bifidus.  Chiropractic care may also be recommended as it has been shown to be highly effective in treating colicky babies.

It is extremely important to consult with your medical professional to be sure you are using the proper bacteria supplement based on your child’s age. At age seven, children’s intestinal tracts change and the primary beneficial bacteria is acidophilus, which is also available as a supplement.  Giving yogurt to your child does not take the place of the proper bacteria supplementation.

Those who might need acidophilus (age seven and above) or bifidus (up to age seven) supplements are:

• Children with a history of oral thrush.
• Children with a history of diarrhea, constipation, or colic.
• Children with a history of a skin condition such as eczema.
• Children with a history of antibiotic therapy.
• Children born by cesarean section.

We would be happy to help you chose the proper bacteria supplement for your child based on their symptoms and age.