This term is generally used for an attack of spasmodic pain in the abdomen.
often results from the build-up of indigestible material in the alimentary tract, leading to spasmodic contractions in the muscular lining. Other causes include habitual constipation, with accumulation of faecal material; simple colic also occurs as an accompaniment of neurological disorders. More serious causes include sudden obstruction of the bowel from twisting, INTUSSUSCEPTION, or as a result of a tumour or similar condition. (See also INTESTINE, DISEASES OF.
is due to the absorption of lead into the system. (See LEAD POISONING.)
are the terms applied to the violent pain which is produced when a gall-stone passes down from the gall-bladder into the intestine or a kidney stone descends along the ureter into the bladder. (See GALL-BLADDER, DISEASES OF and KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF.)
This consists of relief of the spasmodic pain with warmth and analgesics, and removal, where possible, of the underlying cause.
is a common condition in babies under three months, sometimes continuing for a little longer. The babies cry persistently and appear to their parents to have abdominal pain, although this remains unproven. Swaddling and massage can help, as can simply stimulating the child with movement and noise (rocking and singing).