In four pages colic in infants is examined in terms of a comparative analysis of two articles, one addressing the general public and one written for the medical establishment. Two sources are cited in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: JL5_JLcolic.rtf
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unknown in any case). The article recognises that for the most part, parents with a colicky baby are not particularly interested in theories as to why the child is distressed,
their priority is relieving the distress and discomfort. From a practical point of view, also, it is far more important that the child is soothed quickly since many cases of
violence against babies are attributed to the parents being unable to cope any longer with persistent crying. The consumer edition acknowledges this, and does not waste time theorising about the
possible causes or symptoms of colic, but on offering practical suggestions as to how it may be alleviated.
The academic version is somewhat less prosaic, and is obviously intended for health care professionals rather than those who are personally liable to suffer stress from persistent
crying on the part of the infant. It suggests some of the reasons why colic occurs and defines the symptoms, so that the professional is less inclined to confuse it
with any other gastric condition. It would be possible to dismiss a much more serious medical condition as only colic if such information was not available. However, the article also
points out possible remedies, such as swaddling and dillwater, which the health care professional could suggest to the parent.
In both articles, it is evident that this is one of those conditions for which there is no cure, nor are there hard-and-fast remedies which are
certain to be effective. However, the first article stresses the idea that there are a number of alternatives which can be tried, which at least gives the parent some reassurance