The term "agony colic" is used to describe severe abdominal pain caused by intestinal obstruction. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents sounds in language. In IPA, "agony" is spelled /ˈæɡəni/ and "colic" is spelled /ˈkɑːlɪk/. The "g" in "agony" is pronounced like the "g" in "get" and the "y" is pronounced like the "i" in "sit". The "c" in "colic" is pronounced like a hard "k" sound. Together, the word is pronounced /ˈæɡəni ˈkɑːlɪk/.
Agony colic is a medical term that refers to a severe and intense pain in the abdomen caused by various factors, particularly involving the bowels or stomach. This condition is characterized by sharp and debilitating spasms that can be extremely distressing and excruciating for the affected individual.
The onset of agony colic is often sudden and unexpected, and the pain is typically recurring or intermittent. It is commonly associated with conditions such as renal or urinary colic, intestinal obstruction, gallstones, renal stones, or other gastrointestinal issues like gastritis or enteritis.
The pain experienced during agony colic is usually localized in the abdominal region and may radiate to other areas, such as the back or lower abdomen. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, bowel irregularities, and overall discomfort.
Prompt medical attention is typically required when someone is experiencing agony colic, as the intensity of the pain and the underlying cause may require immediate intervention. Treatment options for agony colic depend on the specific cause and may include pain management, administration of medications to alleviate spasms or inflammation, surgical procedures to address obstructions or stones, or other appropriate medical interventions.
Overall, agony colic refers to the severe abdominal pain caused by various conditions, necessitating urgent medical attention for diagnosis, treatment, and relief of the symptoms.
Lead c.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "agony colic" is a combination of two words: "agony" and "colic".
1. "Agony" originated from the Latin word "agonia", which means "a struggle" or "a contest", particularly referring to physical or mental suffering. It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, derived from Old French "agonie" with the same meaning.
2. "Colic" comes from the Greek word "kolikos", which means "pain in the colon". It was used to describe severe abdominal pain caused by spasms in the colon or digestive tract. The term entered English in the 15th century, originating from late Latin "colica", related to the Greek "kolon", meaning "large intestine".
Combining the two, "agony colic" refers to intense, agonizing pain associated with spasms in the colon or digestive system.