Abdominal colic refers to the severe spasmodic pain the abdominal area mainly due to distention, inflammation, or obstruction. In pediatrics, the condition is marked by excessive and paroxysmal crying while in adults, colic may be sudden or gradual in nature. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for abdominal colic.
Causes
Colic is due to inflammation, distention, or obstruction in the abdominal area. According to Med Broadcast, no medical causes have been found; although, an underdeveloped digestive tract is a probable causes in infants. As per the publication, other factors that may contribute to the condition include swallowing air while eating, allergy to cow milk proteins, intolerance to certain food choices, and overfeeding.
Signs and Symptoms
Colic is common in infants, so the signs and symptoms are focused on their developmental stages. According to Mayo Clinic, these include predictable crying episodes, intense or inconsolable crying, crying for no apparent reason, and posture changes, which include clenched fists, tensed abdominal muscles, and curled up legs. As per the publication, medical attention is vital if the baby’s crying is due to an injury, illness, or fall. Also, the doctor should be contacted if the baby’s skin or lips becomes bluish during the crying episode, or if changes in eating, behavior, and sleeping take place.
Home Remedies
While pain medications may be prescribed for abdominal colic, the following home remedies may also be done to resolve the condition.
Diet
Nutrition is important to the body and proper diet is part of key management of colic. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease or NIDDK, as cited by Live Strong, the person should eat smaller meals and should avoid colic trigger foods like chocolate, dairy, wheat, alcohol, and caffeine. The reason is that colic may be associated to an underlying condition, which is also linked to the person’s food intake. As per the publication, it is vital to consult the doctor should there be changes with the colic symptoms.
For infants, a clean nursing diet may be applicable, according to Mama Natural. As per the publication, foods like spicy foods, caffeine, citrus, shellfish, eggs, and wheat should be avoided. The rationale is that the infants’ underdeveloped digestive system may be sensitive to the aforementioned food choices, as well as the proteins found in breast milk. As per the publication, two to four weeks margin is essential to ensure which food choices are responsible for the pain. If formula milk is being used, mothers should also consider changing to a different one.
Adequate Rest
Rest and sleep are important remedies for colic, as per Mama Natural. As per the publication, the person should monitor the infant to ensure that he does not become too exhausted. It is vital to consider experimenting with wakeful time periods to assess and evaluate which one works best. It is recommended that babies should be back to bed within an hour of two of waking. Moreover, an indication of adequate rest is the ability to go to bed without any struggle. Nap time for 15 minutes is also applicable to help prevent colic symptoms.
Chamomile Tea
Another remedy for colic is chamomile tea. According to Home Remedies for Life, chamomile has antispasmodic and sedative properties that help relieve intestinal cramping and promote relaxation. As per the publication a teaspoon of chamomile is added to a cup of boiling water and is allowed to sit for ten to 15 minutes. Then, the tea is strained. Next, it is poured in a bottle until warm or at room temperature.
Abdominal colic presents pain, which may provide discomfort or limit one from doing his activities of daily living. Thus, remedies can be part of therapeutics that will resolve the pain, as well as medical consult, which involves assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
