Pain, spasms, gas… Colic does not only affect babies and can also affect adults. What are the symptoms ? What causes? How to relieve it? With what remedies?
Colic (or intestinal colic) characterize in everyday language spasms in the intestines as well as gas and bloating. If it occurs frequently in babies, the attack of colic can also affect adults. What are the signs of colic? What causes a seizure? How to relieve it quickly and with what remedies?
What is the definition of colic?
“colic is, by definition, the dilation of an organ. It can be intestinal, hepatic (liver) or even nephritic (kidneys). It causes severe pain.” explains Dr. Benoit Mory, gastroenterologist. Here we are talking about intestinal colic. We distinguish :
► Acute colic which are intense pains occurring suddenly
► Chronic colic that are intermittent or persistent pain for several months or years
What are the symptoms of colic?
Colic is in itself a symptom that indicates the presence of abdominal disorders. It is usually accompanied by:
- Transit disorders (diarrhea)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain (spasms) more or less intense
How long does a colic attack last?
Generally, a colic attack lasts less than 48 hours.
What can cause colic in adults?
Colic can result from several things:
- An irritable bowel (functional colopathy)
- An intestinal obstruction
- episodes of gastroenteritis or chronic constipation
- appendicitis
- Acute diverticulitis
- The stress
- A poor diet, often too fatty or too rich in alcohol or bad eating habits such as often skipping meals
- Massaging your belly clockwise can bring relief.
- Place a hot water bottle on your stomach and stomach for 20 minutes
- Drink herbal tea
- The fetal position (lying on your side with your knees bent over your abdomen) can help relieve
- Go on a diet (continuing to drink) for a few hours
- The following days: eat small meals of easily digestible foods
- In severe cases (appendicitis, acute diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, etc.), hospitalization and surgery may be necessary.
What medications should be taken in adults?
“Initially, the treatment is based exclusively on taking antispasmodics such as Spasfon to soothe the pain“, indicates the gastroenterologist. In case of nausea, antihistamines can help. Anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are not indicated: they can also be accompanied by side effects.
When to consult?
Consult after 3 to 5 days in case of deterioration of the general condition, if the symptoms persist or if other symptoms appear: violent pains in the belly, vomiting, blood in the stools.
Thanks to Dr. Benoit Mory, gastroenterologist.