Pedia Flash Ace Vol-11, No-1, 2026

Infantile colic is a common condition characterized by unexplained, inconsolable crying episodes in otherwise healthy infants without any identifiable cause. It can lead to significant parental distress, increase the risk of child abuse, and contribute to early cessation of breastfeeding. According to Wessel's criteria, also known as the "rule of threes," colic is defined as episodes of irritability, fussing, or crying lasting at least 3 hours per day, on 3 or more days per week, for at least 1 week, in an otherwise healthy infant aged 2 weeks to 4 months.

Recurrent   Abdominal    Pain   (RAP)   Is   a   prevalent   and burdensome  condition  affecting  bottl children  and  adults, representing a key component  of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders  (FGIDs).  It  is  classically  defined  as  3 or  more episodes of abdominal pain over 3 months that interfere with normal  activities  Its  estimated   prevalence   is  13-20%   in school aged cnildren and up to 15% in adults,underscoring its global clinical  significance.' RAP contributes  significantly to pediatric consultations, frequent diagnostic Investigations, and  contributes   to  scnool   absenteeism   and   diminished quality of life for affected individuals and their familiesL! ong term follow up studies show persistence  of symptoms  into adolescence and adulthood, often evoMng into abdominal· pain-related FGIDs sucn as Irritable Bowel 5yndrome  (IBS) (Fig.4).'