Local Practices of Infantile Colic Management and Health Outcomes in Children: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Infantile colic is a self-limiting condition that occurs in infants. It is a common disturbance occurring in the first three months of life but is generally harmless. The exact aetiology is unknown, but it is associated with a vicious cycle of the infant crying and swallowing of air. Mothers use a number of methods to relieve their infants from this condition. However, there is limited evidence that support the use of complementary and alternative treatments (such as herbal supplements, and a manipulative approach) or behavioural interventions. The impetus of this paper is thus to explore local or alternative methods of the management of infantile colic. A scoping review of existing literature was done to assess all research on local practices of infantile colic management by nurses and doctors in developed countries and work carried out in Africa. This was done to identify what has been done and to identify any gaps in research. The majority of the studies reviewed revealed positive effects of unorthodox or local methods in managing infantile colic although some cause complications for the infants. There are very few published articles on this subject and methods used. The researchers, therefore, recommend more controlled trials to test the effectiveness of the different local substances used to manage infantile colic.