Spastic colon, as known as Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); Nervous indigestion; Intestinal neurosis; Functional colitis; Irritable colon; Mucous colitis and Laxative colitis, refers to a complex disorder of the lower intestinal tract. It is mainly characterized by a pattern of symptoms that is often worsened by emotional stress.

It is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Causes

Irritable bowel syndrome involves a combination of abdominal pain and alternating constipation and diarrhea. There are many possible causes. For instance, there may be a problem with muscle movement in the intestine or a lower tolerance for stretching and movement of the intestine. There is no problem in the structure of the intestine.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can occur at any age, but often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It is more common in women. Risk factors may include a low-fiber diet, emotional stress, use of laxatives, having had infectious diarrhea, or other temporary bowel inflammation.

Irritable bowel syndrome is extremely common, but only a small number of people seek treatment.

Symptoms

Chronic and frequent diarrhea, usually accompanied by pain
Chronic and frequent constipation, usually accompanied by pain
Abdominal pain or tenderness

Following meals
Relieved by bowel movement
Intermittent

Abdominal fullness, gas, bloating
Abdominal distention
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Emotional distress
Depression

Exams and Tests

Tests usually reveal no problems. Not all patients require endoscopy, especially if symptoms begin early in life and have been stable. However, patients who have irritable bowel symptoms beginning later in life usually require endoscopy.

Younger patients with persistent diarrhea may require endoscopy to look for inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). Irritable bowel syndrome, by contrast, is not an inflammatory condition, but the symptoms may be very similar to those of inflammatory bowel disease.

Patients over age 50 should be screened for colon cancer.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Changes in diet may help relieve symptoms in some patients. No diet works for all patients.

Increasing dietary fiber and avoiding items that stimulate the intestines, such as caffeine, may help. Other possible treatments may include:

Anxiety-reducing measures, such as regular exercise
Anticholinergic medications before meals
Counseling (in cases of severe anxiety or depression)
Anti-diarrheal medications
Low-dose antidepressants

Outlook (Prognosis)

Irritable bowel syndrome may be a life-long chronic condition, but symptoms can often be improved or relieved through treatment.

Possible Complications

Discomfort
Dehydration
Malnutrition resulting from food avoidance
Depression

If you think that you have not heard of the term before, its because spastic colon was the term used to refer to Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the past. The name arose because people with IBS often suffered from intestinal spasm as well as episodes of constipation and diarrhea. Other symptoms of spastic colon are abdominal pain, nausea and bloating. This condition is not a disease, however, but rather a malfunction in the way the bowel is supposed to work.

Causes

The main cause for spastic colon is unknown. Occasionally, a viral infection can cause a bout of spastic colon. In some cases spastic colon attacks occur during menstruation.
Diagnosis

It is important to note the there are other diseases which have the same signs and symptoms as this condition. Doctors often need to rule out other diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gallstones, diverticulitis, intestinal parasites, endometriosis, ovarian cancer and bacterial and parasitic infections.

A physical examination must be done by a gastroenterologist to rule out these diseases and establish a concrete diagnosis. Other diagnostic tests which are used to help identify a spastic colon include:

Stool test for parasites and blood
Urinalysis
Liver function tests
Abdominal x-rays
Colonoscopy
Rectal exams
Tests for ovarian and endometrial cancer for women

Treatment and prevention

Once diagnosed with the condition patients are often advised to make a few lifestyle changes like switching to a diet high in fiber, quitting smoking, drinking alcohol or eating highly processed foods. Many are encouraged to try probiotic diets which deliver good bacteria to maintain the normal intestinal flora which is essential for regular bowel movement. Patients are also often taught how to manage stress, since this has been shown to aggravate the condition. Medications prescribed include drugs to lessen stomach pain, laxatives for constipation and Imodium for diarrhea.