Colic in infants, particularly those who are bottle-fed, is characterized by symptoms such as drawing up the legs, restlessness, and continuous crying. It arises from pain produced by the contraction of the muscular walls of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract, when its aperture is blocked. Treatment is aimed at relief of symptoms and often includes a muscle relaxant.
What is Colic?
Colic refers to pain originating from the contraction of muscular walls in hollow organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract. In infants, intestinal colic is common, especially among those who are bottle-fed. Symptoms include restlessness, continuous crying, and drawing up the legs. Colic can also be associated with enteritis, intestinal tumors, certain forms of influenza, and lead poisoning.
How Can Dietary Changes Influence Colic?
Dietary changes are a significant factor influencing the incidence of colic. While the provided articles do not specify which dietary changes can prevent colic through proper nutrition, they do note that colic in horses can be caused by blockages in the digestive tract due to dietary changes.
What Treatments are Available for Colic?
Treatment for colic depends on the cause and is aimed at relieving symptoms. It often includes administering a muscle relaxant like atropine and, occasionally, meperidine hydrochloride. In horses, treatment may involve pain relief drugs, oral administration of mineral oil to soften impaction, and surgery.
What are the Signs of Colic?
Signs of colic in infants include drawing up the legs, restlessness, and continuous crying. In horses, signs include pawing the ground, kicking at the abdomen, and rolling from side to side.
What Causes Colic?
Colic in infants is typically caused by intestinal issues, often seen in bottle-fed infants. In horses, more than 70 causes of colic have been identified, making it difficult to determine the exact cause in individual cases. These causes often relate to digestive tract problems, such as blockages or twists.
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