What does colic mean?

Intestinal colic refers to paroxysmal abdominal pain caused by paroxysmal strong contraction of intestinal smooth muscle. It is the most common type of acute abdominal pain in children.

Its occurrence may be related to many factors, such as infant nervous system development is not mature, and it is easy to overreact to various stimuli; improper feeding leads to excessive gastrointestinal burden; intestinal gas is excessive, etc. It is mainly manifested as sudden paroxysmal crying, which can last for several minutes to dozens of minutes, facial flushing, abdominal tension, and legs curling up during the attack. Crying is usually loud and intense, and it is difficult to appease. Diagnosis should be based on typical symptoms, but other diseases that may cause abdominal pain, such as intestinal cramps and intestinal infections, should be excluded. A detailed medical history and physical examination are usually required.