colic etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: colica "pain in the colon"

Meaning and Origin

The word "colic" has its roots in the Greek language. It comes from the Greek word "koliki," which means "pain in the abdomen." This word was first used to describe a specific type of abdominal pain that was caused by a blockage in the colon. Over time, the term "colic" came to be used more broadly to refer to any type of severe abdominal pain.

Today, colic is most commonly used to describe a condition that affects infants. Infantile colic is a type of recurrent, inconsolable crying that occurs in otherwise healthy babies. The exact cause of infantile colic is unknown, but it is thought to be related to the baby's immature digestive system. Symptoms of infantile colic typically include:

  • Severe crying that lasts for hours at a time
  • Fussiness and irritability
  • Gassiness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation

Infantile colic usually starts when a baby is around 2 weeks old and peaks at around 6 weeks. It typically resolves on its own by the time the baby is 4 months old.

There is no cure for infantile colic, but there are a number of things that can be done to relieve the symptoms, such as:

  • Massaging the baby's abdomen
  • Giving the baby gripe water or other over-the-counter remedies
  • Burping the baby frequently
  • Using a warm bath to help relax the baby
  • Rocking the baby or taking them for a walk

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