infantile colic [L, infans, unable to speak; Gk, kolikos, pain in the colon] , a descriptive term for a suggested intestinal cause of discomfort in a newborn. Specific causes and mechanisms have not been defined. The typical infantile colic patient eats and gains weight but may also appear excessively hungry. Aerophagia caused by crying may lead to flatulence and abdominal distension.
