Colic is characterized by pain stemming from the contraction of the muscular walls within a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract. In infants, symptoms of colic include restlessness, continuous crying, and the drawing up of the legs. Treatment is aimed at relief of symptoms and depends on the cause of the colic.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Colic in Infants?
Intestinal colic is common in infants, especially those who are bottle-fed. Key symptoms include:
- Drawing up of the legs
- Restlessness
- Continuous crying
These symptoms often indicate discomfort and pain in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract.
What Other Conditions Can Colic Accompany?
Colic can be associated with several other conditions, including:
- Any form of enteritis
- Intestinal tumors
- Certain forms of influenza
- Spastic contractions of the bowel, which is a common symptom of lead poisoning
How Is Colic Treated?
Treatment for colic is aimed at relieving the symptoms and depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments include:
- Administration of muscle relaxants, such as atropine
- In some cases, meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol™) may be used
What Else Should I Know About Colic?
While the search results provide information about colic, they also include a question about how substance abuse affects a person’s health.
Substance abuse involves the dangerous use of drugs (other than those prescribed by a doctor) that prevent a person from doing everyday things. Substance abuse can cause damage to a person’s body, relationships, and career, and in some cases, it can lead to death.
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