Current beliefs and management strategies for treating infant colic.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe the current beliefs about the etiology of colic as well as current management approaches used by pediatric health care providers.

Method: An open-ended, short- answer survey concerning beliefs about the etiology and treatment of colic was conducted at major National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners and American Academy of Pediatric meetings. The two groups of providers surveyed, pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) (n = 216) and pediatricians (n = 215), were similar in age and years of practice.

Results: PNPs were more likely to define colic as "excessive crying." No differences were found in the beliefs regarding etiology of colic. Pediatricians reported seeing more colicky infants per month. A strong relationship existed between etiology and primary treatment approach. Statistically significant differences were found between PNPs and pediatricians in approaches to management of colic.

Discussion: Colic remains a prevalent and mysterious malady, with a critical need for more evidence-based treatment protocols. Differences in approaches used by providers were found, with PNPs more likely to use behavioral and environmental approaches to treatment.