I cannot provide a long-term outlook for babies with colic, but I can define what colic is. Colic is pain resulting from the contraction of the muscular walls of a hollow organ, such as the renal pelvis, biliary tract, or gastrointestinal tract, whose opening has become more or less blocked.
In infants, intestinal colic is common, especially in those who are bottle-fed. Signs of colic include drawing up the legs, restlessness, and continuous crying. Colic may also accompany enteritis, an intestinal tumor, or certain forms of influenza. Spastic contractions of the bowel can cause colic, which is a common symptom of lead poisoning.
Treatment focuses on symptom relief and depends on the cause. Muscle relaxants like atropine and, occasionally, meperidine hydrochloride may be administered.
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