infantile colic

colic /col·ic/ (kol´ik)

1. acute paroxysmal abdominal pain.

2. pertaining to the colon.

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appendicular colic  pain in the vermiform appendix caused by inflammation.

biliary colic  colic due to passage of gallstones along the bile duct.

gallstone colic , hepatic colic biliary c.

infantile colic  a paroxysmal type seen during the first 3 months of life.

lead colic  colic due to lead poisoning.

renal colic  pain due to thrombosis of the renal vein or artery, dissection of the renal artery, renal infarction, intrarenal mass lesions, or passage of a stone within the collecting system.

vermicular colic  appendicular c.

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infantile colic

Etymology: L, infans, unable to speak; Gk, kolikos, pain in the colon

a descriptive term for a suggested intestinal cause of discomfort in a newborn. Specific causes and mechanisms have not been defined. The typical infantile colic patient eats and gains weight but may also appear excessively hungry. Aerophagia caused by crying may lead to flatulence and abdominal distension.

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infantile colic,

n a health condition encountered in infants and small children; characterized by short, intensely painful intestinal spasms that often wake the distressed child. Can be helped through dietary modifications, warming herbs, essential oils, or abdominal massage.