Colic

Colic means a spasmodic pain originating in a hollow viscus. We have Intestinal Colic caused by over-distension of some part of the intestines usually associated with flatulence and constipation. It is due to acute indigestion and the pain is griping, tearing or twitching; it shifts about and is relieved by deep pressure. There is no rise of temperature or of pulse rate; vomiting or passing of wind may occur with partial relief of symptoms. Biliary Colic is caused by the attempt of a gallstone to pass along the gallduct and by the consequent inflammation. The pain is below the right ribs where there is tenderness as well, jaundice, rigor, high temperature may or may not occur. Pancreatic Colic-This also may give rise to jaundice and the stools contain much fat; the pain is between the tip of the breast bone and navel. Renal Colic is due to passage of stone; the pain is excruciating; urine may be bloody; vomiting is common, the pain passes from the loins into one of the testicles.

Treatment

Colocynth 6-30—Severe griping pain around navel; patient is doubled up from pain and pressess the knuckles of his fingers well into the abdomen; pain is relieved partially by pressure; flatulence; face is anxious; passage of flatus or eructation; constipation. [Some prefer to use it alternately with Lycopodium 30] Nux Vomica 6-30; Flatulence, severe cramps, constipation, cutting pain in urinary bladder. Chamomilla 0-12; Tearing pain around navel; diarrhoea; aggravation at night or on application of heat. Magnesia Phosph. 2x (trit.) to be taken in hot water if Chamomilla fails. Iris Vers. 3: Much flatulence, burning sensation in upper part of abdomen; vomiting of bile; twitching pain. Dioscorea 1x Pain starts from navel and radiates all over—even down to tips of toes; tympanitic distention of abdomen, coated, tongue, aggravation of pain on lying down; amelioration of pain on standing bolt upright or on arching the body backwards; sudden vomit of food-matter and onest of colic simultaneously; biliary colic in pregnant women. Verat. Alb. 6: Colic and flatulent distension at night or after meals, rumbling in abdomen; pain in lower abdomen; water-brash; cold face and extremities.

Try also: Opium 6, Aconite 6, Plumbum 6, Berberis G, Vulgaris Ө-6. Spasmodic flatulent colic at midnight especially in pregnant women Cocculus 6. Colic of indigestion following heavy meal Puls. 6 or Colocynth 6. If the last one is associated with constipation and flatulent distension: Puls. 6 or Lycopod 30. In colic or hysteria: Ignatia 6.

During Colic take nothing but hot water or aerated water or coconut-water. When it is relieved, take barley- gruel and when completely well, take rice with fish-soup or ghole (whey). Avoid milk for some days.