Spastic colon was an early term used to describe the health condition that is now known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The term "spastic colon" came about because of a belief that the motility problems and abdominal pain associated with IBS were caused by muscle spasms within the large intestine. Healthcare providers now know that the mechanisms behind IBS are far more complex.
If you have been told you have, or just think you have, a spastic colon, it may be helpful for you to learn more about IBS.
doctor doing abdominal check on a woman
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is what's known as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means that there is something wrong with the way that the digestive system is functioning, but no visible signs of disease can be seen during diagnostic testing.1 IBS is diagnosed after your healthcare provider has ruled out other disorders. The subtypes of IBS are based on the changes in bowel movements and whether constipation, diarrhea, or mixed bowel habits are predominant.
Symptoms of IBS
People who have IBS experience a variety of symptoms related to the functioning of the large intestine. This means that they experience chronic constipation or urgent bouts of diarrhea. Many people find themselves alternating between the two bathroom problems. Other symptoms include:2
Abdominal pain
Gas and bloating
A feeling of incomplete evacuation
Mucus in the stool
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider. Many other more serious disorders share some of these same symptoms. It is important that you receive a proper diagnosis so that you can set up the appropriate treatment plan.
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What Causes Spastic Colon?
Although no one knows for sure why some people end up with IBS, there is now much more information as to what might have gone wrong. Here are some problems that have been identified as possible causes:2
Motility problems: The functioning of the large intestine muscles, including the speed and strength of gut contractions
Visceral hypersensitivity: A stronger-than-normal pain response to pressure within the large intestine
The brain-gut connection: The role of the nervous system, including changes in the levels of neurotransmitters and hormones
Inflammation: Although by definition, there is no visible inflammation with IBS, there are indications that there may be inflammation that is not visible
Gut bacteria: An imbalance between "friendly" and "unfriendly" bacteria that make up the gut flora
One of the reasons why IBS is so tricky to understand and treat is that it may be caused by several different factors. You can see that researchers have come a long way from pointing to spasms in the gut as being the problem.
Treatment of IBS
There is no one cure for IBS. Instead, there are a variety of avenues that your healthcare provider might recommend for you to try, including:3
Medication
Over-the-counter remedies
Dietary changes
Psychotherapy