If you’ve ever found yourself in the grocery aisle stocking up on Wellements gripe water for colic 4 fl oz, you may already be aware that it’s possible for babies and kids to get colic. Did you know, however, that adults can also have colic? Although in some instances, the difference between colic and reflux for both adults and kids may not be immediately apparent, colic tends to manifest very differently depending on age. For instance, while young children tend to experience excessive crying, adults may simply experience gastrointestinal pains. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between colic in adults versus kids.

Dietary Issues May Affect Colic and Reflux in Both Kids and Adults

In both adults and children, colic, as well as reflux in some cases, can be triggered by dietary issues such as food intolerances, sensitivities or indigestion. If you or your child have had issues with colic in the past, adapting your diet and incorporating more nutrient-rich supplements such as elderberry immunity boosting syrup could potentially help you feel better. Try eliminating certain foods one by one to see if you can identify the food or ingredient that may be causing you pain. In some cases, you may need to go to the doctor to get a professional food sensitivity test done. While changing your diet or your child’s diet alone may not be able to prevent colic entirely, it could help reduce the chances.

Colicky Babies Often Exhibit Persistent, Extended Crying

In infants and young children, the most common symptom of colic is excessive crying. Colicky babies, for example, appear to be inconsolable and may not stop crying even if they are fed, burped or changed. In children, be sure to keep an eye out for one or all of the following signs of colic.

• Inconsolable, sudden crying that may persist for several hours
• Frequent episodes of prolonged crying
• Crying that appears to be provoked by digestive problems or food sensitivities
• Excessive gas, bodily contortions and distended stomachs

Adults With Colic May Experience Serious Urinary and Gastrointestinal Pain

In adults, colic tends to manifest as urinary or gastrointestinal pain. When adults experience colic, it does not trigger extended sessions of crying, as it might in children, but can lead to several types of stomach disturbances and related issues. If you begin to notice any of the following and suspect it may be colic, contact your doctor right away.

• Gastrointestinal pain due to kidney stones, gallstones or other obstructions
• Urinary tract pain and difficulty going to the restroom comfortably
• Sharp pain that fades into persistent achiness
• Serious episodes of discomfort after consuming large, fatty meals
• Blood or traces of blood in urine
• Vomiting and/or nausea

Although the symptoms can be very different, it’s possible for both young children and adults to experience colic. If you notice any serious gastrointestinal or urinary pains, or if your child begins to cry excessively and is inconsolable, you may want to book an appointment with the doctor to determine whether colic is the cause. Now that you understand the main differences, you can more easily identify the symptoms and work towards relieving them.