What is a Spastic Colon?

health wellness

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.

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Discuss this Article

have any of you read "Breaking The Viscous Cycle"?

this dietary approach is a miracle. it absolutely works if you follow it exactly. There is a website of the same name. It worked for me and for *many* others.

- anon27832
i recently had stomach pains but not too intense. more of a dull ache on my left side of my abdomen. what i realized was that as soon as i eat, my abdomen will swell moving along down my lower abdomen. i have never had this problem but i do go off normal in the morning. its very confusing as well.. i was only given a fiber drink and was told i have a swollen colon... any ideas as to resolving this ???

- anon25981
hi i've had ibs for 8 years i allways remembered my first attack thought i was gonna die , i'd been put on colfac since with not many attacks , normally they come and go , but 5am xmas day morning i was awoken " not by santa " but sharp colon pain took colfac didn't wanna go , so ended up at doctors been told to increase tablets , went back last friday having blood tests goto wait week , on different pills no joy atm , i'm scared as never had constant dull pain in colon like this long , anyone else have constant pain ? mark uk
- hassellmark
I just spent a long weekend in the hospital (Dec 08) with what was diagnosed as spastic colon. My symptoms are always the same but with varying degrees of intensity: Usually after a meal I begin to have an awareness of my stomach (and each time I think I just have to go to the bathroom). Then over the next several hours the pain gradually increases, but it rises and falls in intensity until the pain is so horrific I eventually begin to vomit. When I am throwing up it is so very violent I honestly believe there is a demon in my stomach.

During this particular episode I went to the emergency room and allowed them to witness the excruciating pain I was experiencing - morphine definitely helps during this phase of the episode. Funny thing about going to the ER, they performed a gall bladder scan and discovered I had a stone - "that must be her problem" and they stop looking.

Fortunately for me I had been working with a gastrointernologist who didn't think my symptoms were related to my gall bladder (which I am adament about keeping for reasons not to be explained here). I requested to be checked into the hospital and my Dr. notified - which is what happened.

After several tests (ultrasound, scope down the throat, CT scan, HIDA scan, many blood tests, and finally a colonoscopy) the Dr. was more convinced that it's not my gall bladder causing me this problem. He has diagnosed me with spastic colon, or IBS.

Now, what frightens me is everything I read isn't giving me a good feeling about the long term recovery. Through every attempt to correct my diet I still might have another attack.

This is so messed up.

I hope my experience helps at least one other person to keep their gall bladder or any other organ that Drs. think is unnecessary.

- anon22681
Can you lose weight with spastic colon?
- mrose1153
Did you folks lose weight with constipation and IBS

also?

- mrose1153
I am 28 year old male severe abdominal pain left side, severe constipation for 2 weeks had 2 cat scans and blood work and xray. The er told me I had spastic colon. I have lost 20 lbs last couple months. Would cat scans and x-rays show colon cancer? Cant get in to see gastro dr till 18th of Dec.
- mrose1153
I know someone that had the same problem with passing out the pain was very bad. He ended up being allergic to whey this took some time to figure out. You should be tested for this they can do it by taking a sample from your intestine.I did read that there is a blood test they can do because this is thought to be genetic.
- anon21289
you should have your stomach checked,the scope in your mouth is non painful,you are sedated and never know it happened.i have had colon problems for 10 yrs now,and recently developed gastritis,which is when your stomach lining is infected or starting to dissolve,it can cause pain like yours,no appetite,and very loose stools. hope this has been helpful.
- anon17675
I too suffer from ibs and have similar symptoms but I never passed out. Maybe there is something else going on here. I think you do indeed need to have a colonoscopy, I had one and it was fine. See your doc ASAP
- anon5906
Hi, I have suffered from IBS (severe diarrhea after eating a meal) then recently I had a severe stomach pain that was so painful, I passed out for about 5 or 6 minutes. I was able to call 9-1-1 and they came and took me to the hospital. The doctors there said it was just a stomach ache. I had a CT scan and they found nothing wrong. So they said it was mostly an anxiety attack. Which I know it wasn't, but I was put on a liquid diet for 2 days anyway then a bland diet for 2 weeks, I am now eating normally after taking several medications in which some helped, i.e. Poly Ethylene Glycol and stool softeners, and Milk of Mag. My stomach finally settled down after about 2 weeks and am feeling better. My question is, was this a spastic colon attack or something else and could it happen again? I since been able to go to the bathroom fairly normally, but worry now as I live alone and don't want this to happen again. The paramedics came just as I was coming to again and they said it was a TIA and I thought it was a heart attack, it hurt so bad. I have to have a colonoscopy soon and also have a heart murmur. Thanks
- anon5599

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