Colic: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Cruikshank_-_The_Cholic.png|thumb|right]] '''Colic''' is a term used to describe severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by the intestinal gas or obstruction in the intestines. It is a common condition that can affect both infants and adults, though it is most frequently associated with infants.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Colic
| image          = [[File:Cruikshank_-_The_Cholic.png|250px]]
| caption        = "The Cholic" by [[George Cruikshank]]
| field          = [[Gastroenterology]]
| symptoms        = [[Crying]], [[irritability]], [[abdominal pain]]
| onset          = Typically in the first few weeks of life
| duration        = Usually resolves by 3 to 4 months of age
| causes          = Unknown, possibly [[gastrointestinal]] or [[psychosocial]] factors
| risks          = [[Parental stress]], [[smoking]] during pregnancy
| diagnosis      = Based on [[clinical presentation]]
| differential    = [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]], [[lactose intolerance]], [[food allergy]]
| treatment      = [[Soothing techniques]], [[dietary changes]], [[probiotics]]
| medication      = [[Simethicone]], [[dicyclomine]] (rarely used)
| frequency      = Affects 10-40% of infants
}}
[[File:Cruikshank_-_The_Cholic.png|left|thumb]] '''Colic''' is a term used to describe severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by the intestinal gas or obstruction in the intestines. It is a common condition that can affect both infants and adults, though it is most frequently associated with infants.
==Types of Colic==
==Types of Colic==
Colic can be classified into several types based on the underlying cause and the affected population:
Colic can be classified into several types based on the underlying cause and the affected population:
* [[Infant colic]]: This type of colic is characterized by episodes of crying and fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant. It typically begins within the first few weeks of life and usually resolves by the age of three to four months.
* [[Infant colic]]: This type of colic is characterized by episodes of crying and fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant. It typically begins within the first few weeks of life and usually resolves by the age of three to four months.
* [[Renal colic]]: This type of colic is caused by kidney stones and is characterized by severe pain in the lower back or abdomen.
* [[Renal colic]]: This type of colic is caused by kidney stones and is characterized by severe pain in the lower back or abdomen.
* [[Biliary colic]]: This type of colic is caused by gallstones and is characterized by severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
* [[Biliary colic]]: This type of colic is caused by gallstones and is characterized by severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
* [[Intestinal colic]]: This type of colic is caused by obstruction or gas in the intestines and is characterized by cramping and abdominal pain.
* [[Intestinal colic]]: This type of colic is caused by obstruction or gas in the intestines and is characterized by cramping and abdominal pain.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
The symptoms of colic can vary depending on the type and cause but generally include:
The symptoms of colic can vary depending on the type and cause but generally include:
* Severe, fluctuating abdominal pain
* Severe, fluctuating abdominal pain
* Crying and fussiness (in infants)
* Crying and fussiness (in infants)
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* Nausea and vomiting
* Nausea and vomiting
* Changes in bowel movements
* Changes in bowel movements
==Causes==
==Causes==
The exact cause of colic is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to its development:
The exact cause of colic is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to its development:
* [[Gastrointestinal tract|Gastrointestinal]] immaturity (in infants)
* [[Gastrointestinal tract|Gastrointestinal]] immaturity (in infants)
* [[Food intolerance]] or [[allergy]]
* [[Food intolerance]] or [[allergy]]
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* [[Gallstones]]
* [[Gallstones]]
* Intestinal obstruction
* Intestinal obstruction
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of colic typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. In some cases, additional tests such as [[ultrasound]], [[X-ray]], or [[blood tests]] may be required to identify the underlying cause.
Diagnosis of colic typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. In some cases, additional tests such as [[ultrasound]], [[X-ray]], or [[blood tests]] may be required to identify the underlying cause.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment for colic depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Treatment for colic depends on the underlying cause and may include:
* Dietary changes (e.g., eliminating certain foods)
* Dietary changes (e.g., eliminating certain foods)
* Medications to relieve pain and discomfort
* Medications to relieve pain and discomfort
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* Surgery (in cases of obstruction or stones)
* Surgery (in cases of obstruction or stones)
* Comfort measures (e.g., swaddling, rocking, and soothing techniques for infants)
* Comfort measures (e.g., swaddling, rocking, and soothing techniques for infants)
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventive measures for colic may include:
Preventive measures for colic may include:
* Proper feeding techniques (for infants)
* Proper feeding techniques (for infants)
* Avoiding known food triggers
* Avoiding known food triggers
* Staying hydrated
* Staying hydrated
* Regular physical activity
* Regular physical activity
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Abdominal pain]]
* [[Abdominal pain]]
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* [[Nephrology]]
* [[Nephrology]]
* [[Gastroenterology]]
* [[Gastroenterology]]
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Colic}}
{{Commons category|Colic}}
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
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[[Category:Nephrology]]
[[Category:Nephrology]]
[[Category:Abdominal pain]]
[[Category:Abdominal pain]]
{{medicine-stub}}
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 01:57, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Colic
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Crying, irritability, abdominal pain
Complications N/A
Onset Typically in the first few weeks of life
Duration Usually resolves by 3 to 4 months of age
Types N/A
Causes Unknown, possibly gastrointestinal or psychosocial factors
Risks Parental stress, smoking during pregnancy
Diagnosis Based on clinical presentation
Differential diagnosis Gastroesophageal reflux disease, lactose intolerance, food allergy
Prevention N/A
Treatment Soothing techniques, dietary changes, probiotics
Medication Simethicone, dicyclomine (rarely used)
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Affects 10-40% of infants
Deaths N/A


Colic is a term used to describe severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by the intestinal gas or obstruction in the intestines. It is a common condition that can affect both infants and adults, though it is most frequently associated with infants.

Types of Colic[edit]

Colic can be classified into several types based on the underlying cause and the affected population:

  • Infant colic: This type of colic is characterized by episodes of crying and fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant. It typically begins within the first few weeks of life and usually resolves by the age of three to four months.
  • Renal colic: This type of colic is caused by kidney stones and is characterized by severe pain in the lower back or abdomen.
  • Biliary colic: This type of colic is caused by gallstones and is characterized by severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
  • Intestinal colic: This type of colic is caused by obstruction or gas in the intestines and is characterized by cramping and abdominal pain.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of colic can vary depending on the type and cause but generally include:

  • Severe, fluctuating abdominal pain
  • Crying and fussiness (in infants)
  • Bloating and gas
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in bowel movements

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of colic is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to its development:

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of colic typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. In some cases, additional tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, or blood tests may be required to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for colic depends on the underlying cause and may include:

  • Dietary changes (e.g., eliminating certain foods)
  • Medications to relieve pain and discomfort
  • Hydration and electrolyte management
  • Surgery (in cases of obstruction or stones)
  • Comfort measures (e.g., swaddling, rocking, and soothing techniques for infants)

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures for colic may include:

  • Proper feeding techniques (for infants)
  • Avoiding known food triggers
  • Staying hydrated
  • Regular physical activity

See also[edit]

References[edit]

<references group="" responsive="1"></references>


External links[edit]

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