Colic is a common intestinal problem that accounts for about one in 4 medical consultations. It is due to violent contractions of the intestines causing significant abdominal pain, often intermittent and alternating with periods of calm. Generally speaking, a distinction is made between simple colic and chronic colic. Simple colic is a temporary crisis due to an accidental dysfunction of the intestines. On the contrary, chronic colic occurs regularly, at least 3 days a month, and over a long period of time, about 6 months. Women are often prone to this condition commonly known as irritable bowel.
Causes of colic
In adults, colic is often the result of too much food, drink or a sudden change in climate. A short psychological crisis can also cause it. On the other hand, in infants under 4 months of age, it can accompany teething, or can be a pathology in its own right. In the latter case, it is due either to a poor quality of the milk given, or to an inadequacy of gastric rest, or to the duration of gastric emptying.
Associated symptoms
Colic usually manifests itself as violent abdominal pain. In young children, it can be accompanied by cramps in the belly. Some also have burping and gas emissions. Some forms of colic, especially those described as chronic, change the firmness of the stool and cause constipation or diarrhea.
Homeopathic treatment of colic in adults
Homeopathic remedies should be taken every 15 minutes from the appearance of the first symptoms. Depending on the improvement in the patient's condition, the duration of the doses can then be spaced out. Each symptom of colic corresponds to a very specific product. Colocynthis is suitable for soothing very severe pain. Belladonna, on the other hand, is indicated for cases of more intense pain and it is advisable to combine it with Bryonia when it becomes unbearable and forces the patient to lie down. Magnesia Phosphorica is suitable for colic whose pain persists even after farts. For colic resulting from fruit abuse, China is recommended. Nux Vomica is effective for colic due to overeating and/or drinking.
Homeopathic treatment of colic in infants
The homeopathic treatment of colic in young children is much the same as in adults, but the dosage differs. If 7 granules are indicated at each dose for older people, for children, 2 granules are enough. Homeopathic products including Colocynthis, Magnesia Phosphorica and Nux vomica can be administered to both adults and children. But, there are homeopathic remedies specifically for infants. This is the case, for example, with Chamomilla, which softens the nerves of the crying baby, and with Dioscoréa, which is suitable for children who are curled up in pain. To prevent colic, any food that can cause constipation should be avoided from the child's diet.
When to consult a homeopath?
As soon as the first symptoms appear, it is advisable to consult a doctor or homeopath in order to benefit from an appropriate treatment. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, beyond 24 hours of homeopathic treatment, it is advisable to consult your doctor immediately. In children, crying, temperature, diarrhoea, vomiting, lack of appetite, blood in the stool or urine are symptoms that should not be treated by self-medication, consultation with a paediatrician is necessary.
