Relation between infantile colic and asthma/atopy: A prospective study in an unselected population

Objective. To assess whether children with history of infantile colic may b e at increased risk of subsequently developing asthma and/or atopy. Methods. We used data collected in a large, prospective study from an unsel ected population. Infantile colic and concurrent feeding method were determ ined from the 2-month well-infant visit form completed by the physician for 983 children who were enrolled at birth. Markers of atopy (total serum imm unoglobulin E and allergy skin prick test), allergic rhinitis, asthma, whee zing, and peak flow variability were the main outcome measures studied at d ifferent ages between infancy and 11 years. Results. Ninety (9.2%) children had infantile colic. Prevalence of colic wa s similar among children fed either breast milk or formula. There was no as sociation between infantile colic and markers of atopy, asthma, allergic rh initis, wheezing, or peak flow variability at any age. Conclusion. Our data cannot support the hypothesis that infantile colic pro vides increased risk for subsequent allergic disease or atopy.