Spastic colon is also called Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Spastic colon often causes either significant diarrhea, or significant constipation. Pain in the stomach may also be constant, adding to the discomfort of those affected. Those with spastic colon may also suffer from frequent urges to defecate, and extremely painful spasms during evacuation of the bowel. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and dehydration if diarrhea is particularly frequent.

Often spastic colon has no known cause. Occasionally, a viral illness can cause a bout of spastic colon, which may resolve in three to six months. Infection from parasitic elements, when undiagnosed, can often mimic spastic colon, tending to produce what appears to be IBS with diarrhea. As well, taking some antibiotics can cause an imbalance in “good” germs of the stomach, which aid in digestion and bowel regulation. Usually this balance is restored within a few months.

If a person has had several months of pain in the stomach, and either constant diarrhea or constipation, physicians will do a blood sample to rule out other potential causes like parasitic infections. They may also check stool samples for the presence of parasites, and will take a history to check any predetermining risk factors like a recent bout with a viral stomach illness or recent use of antibiotics. On rare occasions, a colonoscopy may also be performed, though diagnosis of spastic colon is usually made by default.

When one is diagnosed with spastic colon, they can reduce their risk of bouts with the illness by changing a few behaviors. Patients are asked to eat a diet high in dietary fiber, as this can help even those with significant diarrhea to normalize the bowel process. As well, they are asked not to smoke, to drink alcohol, or to eat foods with high sugar content, which are indicated in producing diarrhea. Many are urged to eat a probiotic diet that contains active yeast cultures that may help restore balance in the bowel.

Medications to help alleviate stomach pain may also be prescribed. These include dicyclomine, or high doses of Imodium® for diarrhea, or laxatives for constipation to help reduce episodes of spastic colon. Often spastic colon can resolve for a period of time, and then worsen. It can be debilitating and limiting to those who feel they cannot leave the bathroom for any period of time. As well, since the nature of the problem is relatively private, many with spastic colon feel uncomfortable explaining the cause of withdrawal from social activities, or absences at work. Inability to explain can create alienation.

Those who have spastic colon and feel uncomfortable explaining their illness are more at risk for more bouts of the condition. Stress has been proven to aggravate spastic colon. Those being harassed by friends or employers are likely to feel more stress. One’s doctor can help one in these situations by writing a brief note to employers to explain the situation, thus reducing a person’s feelings of embarrassment. As well, counseling can help one deal with feelings of frustration by those who have experienced this condition for a long time, without remission.

Beyond medication and dietary changes, often spastic colon has no other treatment, when there is no specific origin. It is unfortunately something that many simply must bear. There are some very recent studies that suggest bouts may be reduced by giving oral neomycin. This may be most effective in cases of viral origin.

Many turn to alternative or complementary medicines for treatment of spastic colon. Some believe acupuncture is particularly helpful. Others find herbs used in traditional Chinese treatments can be of significant help. Some believe that colonics or enemas help reduce symptoms of the spastic colon.