Bg pattern

Colic

Colic describes episodes of severe, often unexplained abdominal pain. In babies, it causes prolonged crying and distress despite otherwise normal health.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Symptoms of colic

All babies cry, but your baby may have colic if they cry more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week but are otherwise healthy.

They may cry more often in the afternoon and evening.

It may also be colic if, while they are crying:

  • it's hard to soothe or settle your baby
  • they clench their fists
  • they go red in the face
  • they bring their knees up to their tummy or arch their back
  • their tummy rumbles or they're very windy

It can start when a baby is a few weeks old. It usually stops by the time they're 3 to 4 months old.

If you're not sure it's colic

There are other reasons why your baby may be crying.

It could be they:

Things you can try to soothe your baby

Your baby does not usually need to see a doctor if they have colic.

Remedies for colic, such as anti-colic drops, herbal or probiotic supplements, are available from pharmacies and some shops, but they're not recommended and there's no evidence they help colic.

Speak to your health visitor for advice and support. There are things they'll usually advise to help soothe your baby.

 Do 

  • hold or cuddle your baby when they're crying a lot
  • sit or hold your baby upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air
  • wind your baby after feeds
  • gently rock your baby over your shoulder
  • gently rock your baby in their Moses basket or crib, or push them in their pram
  • bath your baby in a warm bath
  • have some gentle white noise like the radio or TV in the background to distract them
  • keep feeding your baby as usual – you do not need to make any changes to your diet if you're breastfeeding

 Don’t 

  • do not try putting gentle pressure to your baby's spine (spinal manipulation) or skull (cranial osteopathy) – there is little evidence this works, and it may hurt your baby

 Go to A&E or call 112 if: 

  • your baby has a weak or high-pitched cry
  • your baby's cry does not sound like their normal cry

You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like. Trust your instincts if you think something is seriously wrong, particularly if they have other worrying symptoms.

You do not have to drive to A&E. You can ask someone to drive you or call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines your baby takes with you.

How to cope if you have a colicky baby

Looking after a colicky baby can be upsetting, but it's usually nothing to worry about and will pass with time.

Ask for support:

  • from other parents, family or friends

Causes of colic

It's not known exactly what causes some babies to get colic. But it may be because babies find it harder to digest food when they're young.

Consult with a doctor about Colic

Consult with a doctor about Colic

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Colic

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Colic with a doctor online.

5.0 (65)
Doctor

Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicine 18 years exp.

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

5.0 (17)
Doctor

Anastasiia Shalko

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Anastasiia Shalko is a general practitioner with a background in both paediatrics and general medicine. She graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her paediatric internship at the P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. After working as a paediatrician in Kyiv, she relocated to Spain, where she has been practising general medicine since 2015, providing care for both adults and children.Her work focuses on urgent, short-term medical concerns – situations where patients need quick guidance, symptom assessment and clear next steps. She helps people understand whether their symptoms require in-person evaluation, home management or a change in treatment. Common reasons for booking an online consultation include:

  • acute respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever)
  • viral illnesses such as colds and seasonal infections
  • gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis)
  • sudden changes in how a child or adult feels
  • questions about existing treatment and whether adjustments are needed
  • renewal of prescriptions when clinically appropriate

Dr. Shalko works specifically with urgent and short-term problems, providing practical recommendations and helping patients determine the safest next step. She explains symptoms clearly, guides patients through decision-making and offers straightforward medical advice for everyday acute issues.She does not provide long-term management of chronic conditions, ongoing follow-up or comprehensive care plans for complex long-term illnesses. Her consultations are designed for acute symptoms, sudden concerns and situations where timely medical input is important.With clinical experience in both paediatrics and general medicine, Dr. Shalko confidently supports adults and children. Her communication style is clear, simple and reassuring, helping patients feel informed and supported throughout the consultation.

5.0 (3)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

0.0 (2)
Doctor

Daniel Cichi

Family medicine 24 years exp.

Dr Daniel Cichi is a family medicine doctor with over 20 years of clinical experience. He provides online consultations for adults, supporting patients with acute symptoms, chronic conditions, and everyday health concerns that require timely medical guidance. His background includes work in emergency care, ambulance services, and family medicine, which allows him to assess symptoms quickly, identify warning signs, and help patients choose the safest next steps – whether that means home care, treatment adjustment, or in-person evaluation. Patients commonly consult Dr Daniel Cichi for: 

  • acute symptoms: fever, infections, flu-like illness, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath;
  • chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and blood pressure concerns;
  • digestive problems: abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux;
  • sexually transmitted infections, erectile dysfunction;
  • muscle, joint, and back pain, minor injuries, post-traumatic symptoms;
  • chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, weight loss, hair loss;
  • review and interpretation of lab tests, imaging reports, and medical documents;
  • medication review and treatment adjustment;
  • medical advice while travelling or living abroad;
  • second opinions and guidance on whether in-person care is needed.

Dr Cichi’s consultations are structured and practical. He focuses on clear explanations, risk assessment, and actionable recommendations, helping patients understand their symptoms and make informed decisions about their health.

0.0 (0)
Doctor

Andreea Mateescu

Paediatrics 8 years exp.

Dr Andreea Mateescu is a board-certified paediatrician with 7 years of clinical experience. She graduated from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, and completed her paediatric residency at INSMC Alessandrescu-Rusescu. She also holds additional training in general ultrasound diagnostics.

Dr Mateescu focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based medical care for children, with a strong emphasis on prevention, healthy development, and long-term wellbeing. She believes that clear, empathetic communication with both children and parents is essential for building trust and ensuring effective care.

Online consultations with Dr Mateescu are suitable for:

  • preventive check-ups and monitoring of growth and development;
  • vaccination planning, including personalised and catch-up schedules;
  • assessment of psychomotor, emotional, and physical development;
  • diagnosis and management of acute and chronic paediatric conditions;
  • nutritional guidance for infants and children, including formula selection when medically indicated;
  • care for children with complex or rare conditions;
  • practical guidance and ongoing support for parents.
Dr Mateescu works with patience, empathy, and professionalism, ensuring that each child receives attentive, individualised care. Her goal is to support healthy, balanced development while helping parents feel confident and well-informed at every stage of their child’s care.
1
bg-pattern-dark

Stay informed about Oladoctor

News about new services, product updates and useful information for patients.

Follow us on social media