About Spastic Colon

A spastic colon, or irritable bowel syndrome, occurs when the intestines are not functioning correctly. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that either the intestines are squeezing too hard, which prevents food from passing through, or they are not squeezing hard enough, causing food to pass too quickly. People, especially women, begin experiencing spastic colons at age 20.

Risk Factors

• Mount Sinai Medical Center says that common risk factors for spastic colons include stress, family history, diet or any change in daily routines.

Digestive Symptoms

• The American Academy of Family Physicians lists common digestive symptoms of a spastic colon. These symptoms include constipation, diarrhea after eating, mucus in stool and a strong urge to have another bowel movement immediately after having one.

Abdominal Problems

• Abdominal problems associated with spastic colons are gas, bloating, abdominal pain and cramps.

How Diagnosed

• The American Academy of Family Physicians says that doctors diagnose IBS, or spastic colons, by asking patients about their symptoms and performing blood tests or colonoscopies to make sure patients are not suffering from some other condition.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

• Mount Sinai Medical Center says that there is no cure for spastic colons, but patients can control their condition by drinking plenty of water and gradually changing their diet and avoiding foods that irritate their condition. Because stress is one of the major causes of this condition, patients are encouraged to exercise to improve bowel functions, develop relaxation techniques and seek counseling if necessary.

Medication

• The American Academy of Family Physicians says that doctors can prescribe antispasmodic medications, such as Anaspaz, Cystospaz and Levsin, to ease cramping and abdominal pain. If diarrhea is the problem, doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications like Imodium.