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Are Parasites the Cause of Colon Spasms?

Spasms, or cramping, in the colon can be caused by a variety of factors. Usually called irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colon is often said to have no single known cause.

  1. Parasites

    • The most common intestinal parasite in humans is blastocystis hominis. Thought to be transmitted through the water supply, symptoms of infection include diarrhea, cramping, loss of appetite and gas.

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    • IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a little understood condition. The symptoms usually associated with IBS are diarrhea, cramping, loss of appetite and gas.

    Research

    • Research on the relationship between blastocystis humanis and IBS is growing. One study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine shows that members of the IBS group had significantly more b. hominis present in their stool samples.

    Diagnosis

    • In order for your doctor to determine whether you are infected with blastocystis hominis, he will need to take several stool samples.

    Conclusion

    • While it is possible that your cramping and/or diarrhea are caused by parasites, it is not a foregone conclusion. Always check with your health care provider when experiencing these types of symptoms.

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