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Crying, Pediatric

Maria Jacklin Janecek, DO Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Crying is usually a normal physiologic response to stress, discomfort, unfulfilled needs such as hunger, pain, over- or understimulation, or temperature change.

  • Crying is felt to be p...

DIAGNOSIS

A thorough history and physical exam with removal of all clothing is the key to diagnosis and can provide clues to the etiology in the majority of cases. 

HISTORY

  • Question: Colic?

  • Significance:

    • ...

TREATMENT

  • General goal is to decide if the crying represents a normal physiologic response, a protracted multifactorial physiologic/developmental response (colic), or a potentially pathologic problem.

  • ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

24-hour-follow up is recommended to be assured the crying has improved/resolved and the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment was given. If the crying is pe...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Bolte R. The crying child: what are they trying to tell you? Parts I and II. Contemp Pediatr.  2007;24:74–81, 90–95. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Chau K, Lau E, Greenberg S, ...

CODES

ICD9

  • 780.92 Excessive crying of infant (baby)

  • 789.7 Colic

  • 530.81 Esophageal reflux

ICD10

  • R68.11 Excessive crying of infant (baby)

  • R10.83 Colic

  • K21.9 Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

SNOMED

FAQ

  • Q: How might the quality of cry be helpful in the diagnosis?

  • A: Subjective interpretation can be helpful.

    • High-pitched (shrill, piercing) crying in short bursts: associated with CNS pathology, espec...

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