Colic is abdominal pain caused by the contraction of the muscular walls of any hollow organ. While pacifiers are often used to soothe infants, there is no evidence that using a pacifier can prevent colic from developing. Treatment for colic is aimed at relief of symptoms and depends on the cause.
What is Colic?
Colic in infants is characterized by drawing up the legs, restlessness, and continuous crying, especially in those who are bottle-fed. Colic may be associated with enteritis, intestinal tumors, or certain forms of influenza. It can also be a symptom of lead poisoning.
How is Colic Diagnosed?
More than 70 causes of colic have been identified, which makes it difficult to determine the cause in individual cases. In horses, signs of colic include pawing the ground, kicking at the abdomen, and rolling from side to side.
What Treatments are Available for Colic?
Treatment for colic depends on the cause and is aimed at relief of symptoms. Some treatments include:
- Drugs for pain relief
- Oral administration of mineral oil to soften impaction
- Muscle relaxants such as atropine
- Surgery
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
What causes colic in infants?
Colic in infants is characterized by drawing up the legs, restlessness, and continuous crying, especially in those who are bottle-fed. Colic may be associated with enteritis, intestinal tumors, or certain forms of influenza. It can also be a symptom of lead poisoning.
What are the symptoms of colic in horses?
Signs of colic in horses include pawing the ground, kicking at the abdomen, and rolling from side to side. Anatomical features of the equine digestive tract such as marked variations in the diameter of the large colon and limited attachment of the large colon to the body wall predispose the horse to colic by increasing the potential for blockage of the digestive tract with ingested material (impaction) and twisting of the tract.
How can colic be treated?
Treatment for colic depends on the cause and is aimed at relief of symptoms. Some treatments include drugs for pain relief, oral administration of mineral oil to soften impaction, muscle relaxants such as atropine, and surgery.
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