BILIARY COLIC Meaning and
Definition
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Biliary colic is a medical term used to describe a sudden and intense pain caused by the obstruction or inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts. The condition is characterized by severe discomfort in the upper abdomen, usually on the right side, which may radiate to the back or shoulder blades. The pain can be debilitating and is often described as cramp-like or sharp. Biliary colic is commonly seen in individuals with gallstones, which are small, hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder.
When a gallstone moves and obstructs the bile flow through the narrow bile ducts, it can lead to the onset of biliary colic. The pain typically occurs after consuming a meal, especially those high in fat, as it triggers the release of bile, which in turn can exacerbate the situation. Biliary colic may also be caused by inflammation or infection of the bile ducts or gallbladder, known as cholecystitis.
To diagnose biliary colic, healthcare professionals often rely on a combination of physical examinations, medical history, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan. The condition can be managed through conservative measures such as pain relief medications, changes in diet to avoid triggering factors, and promoting the passage of gallstones using medications. In some cases, surgical intervention like gallbladder removal may be necessary to prevent recurrent episodes of biliary colic.
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Severe paroxysmal pain due to the passage of a gallstone through the cystic and common bile-ducts.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BILIARY COLIC
- viliary colic
- niliary colic
- hiliary colic
- giliary colic
- buliary colic
- bjliary colic
- bkliary colic
- boliary colic
- b9liary colic
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- bikiary colic
- bipiary colic
- bioiary colic
- biluary colic
- biljary colic
- bilkary colic
- biloary colic
- bil9ary colic
- bil8ary colic
- bilizry colic
Etymology of BILIARY COLIC
The word "biliary colic" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The term "biliary" comes from the Latin word "bilis", which means "bile". Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which helps in the breakdown and absorption of fats in the small intestine.
The word "colic" derives from the Greek word "kolikos", which means "pertaining to the colon". Colic refers to severe abdominal pain caused by muscle spasms or inflammation in any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Therefore, "biliary colic" is a medical term used to describe the intense pain caused by the contraction of the smooth muscles in the biliary system, which includes the gallbladder and bile ducts. It typically occurs as a result of gallstones obstructing the bile flow from the gallbladder.
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