Infantile Colic: An Early Clue to Future Atopic and Respiratory Risks?

Emerging evidence suggests that infantile colic characterized by unsoothable crying and perceived abdominal discomfort, may be more than a developmental phase. Among 1,249 children followed from infancy through mid-adolescence, those with a history of colic (26%) showed significantly higher risks of eczema (relative risk ratio [RRR], 2.1), allergic rhinitis (RRR 1.6), and asthma (RRR 1.6) in mid-childhood, alongside increased respiratory infections in both toddlerhood and adolescence.

Notably, the likelihood of having two or more concurrent atopic conditions was nearly doubled across all stages of development in the colic group. In contrast, excessive crying without colic showed no association with atopic or respiratory outcomes. These findings highlight colic as a potential early marker of atopic predisposition, warranting closer monitoring and proactive skin and respiratory care in affected infants.

Source: Switkowski, K. M., Oken, E., Simonin, E. M., Nadeau, K. C., Rifas-Shiman, S. L., &Lightdale, J. R. (2025). Associations of infant colic and excessive crying with atopic outcomes in childhood and adolescence. The Journal of Pediatrics, 283(114623), 114623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114623