Abdominal Colic
It is an
important and common symptom of diseases of intestine. It is due to spasmodic
contraction of the smooth muscle of the bowel. It is sudden in onset and
subsides slowly.
Aetiology
1.Indigestion
2.Ingestion
of certain fruits and vegetables which are difficult to digest.
3.Ingestion
of a strong purgative.
4.Intestinal
obstruction.
5.Lead
poisoning.
6.Neurological
disease.
Clinical features
1.Abdominal
pain begins as described above.
2.Nausea
and vomiting begin.
3.Sometimes
there is constipation or diarrhea.
4.Pain is
some what relieved by pressing on the abdomen.
5.The
patient is restless and anxious.
Treatment
1.The
cause is treated.
2. Except for intestinal obstruction, the
following measures are taken:-
.Abdominal fomentation is done with
hot water bag.
.Flatus tube is passed to remove
flatus from colon.
.Simple enema is given to remove
faeces.
3.Achild
with an abdominal colic has a tight
abdomen. It is screaming while its lower limbs are drawn to its irregularly and
in large volume, constipation, or diarrhea. The treatment is as follows:-
.Burping is done by holding the child
erect on one shoulder and then patting its back. That removes gas from its
stomach and relieves pain.
.A small flatus tube is passed through
the anus so that gas is removed from the colon.
.Abdominal fomentation is done with a
hot water bag filled with water at 104 degree F to 105 degree F. The child’s
skin is quite delicate and care must be taken to avoid burns.
.The child is given boiled and cooled
water every day in adequate quantities to prevent constipation. If the
constipation is still not relieved, a small roll of paper smeared with liquid
soap is passed through its anus so that it passes stools and feels better.
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