Spastic colon is another term for irritable bowel syndrome, but since spastic colon only deals with an increase of intestinal motility (or muscle contraction) and not a decrease in colon activity, which is also a symptom of IBS, the two names are not synonymous. A spastic colon can result in diarrhea, stomach pain and cramping, bloating and constipation. What causes spastic colon is different from case to case, and treatment of the disorder can include a change in diet, a reduction in stress and taking anti-diarrheal medications.
Possible Causes
According to the staff at the Mayo Clinic, no one really knows for sure what causes spastic colon but there are theories and triggers. Certain researchers believe that spastic colon is caused by a change in the nerve structure that serves to tighten and contract the intestinal muscles. Still others believe that spastic colon happens because of changes in the central nervous system. Due to the fact that women are twice as likely to get spastic colon as men, scientists have concluded that changes in hormone levels must play some part. While there is no known cause, there are certain triggers that can induce the disorder in both males and females.
Food Triggers
Spastic colon is often associated with the consumption of certain types of food. Chocolate, carbonated beverages, dairy products and alcohol may cause constipation, gas and diarrhea. If your diet consists of daily portions of these foods and you experience the symptoms of spastic colon, that does not necessarily mean that you have the disorder. Food like chocolate, dairy and alcohol may signify a problem with intolerance rather than a disorder of the intestine.
Stress Triggers
Stress is not a cause of spastic colon but can, in those with the disorder, make it worse. Anxiety and worry in daily life can impact the entire body, and the intestinal tract is no different. It's often why ulcers (a condition of the stomach lining) develop in people who have high-stress jobs and demanding lifestyles. As stress affects the nerve centers, a spastic colon is sometimes the result.
Illness Triggers
Certain gastrointestinal viruses may cause a bout of spastic colon but, once again, this is not a cause but rather something that can trigger an attack on the intestinal muscles.
