Understanding Spastic Colon Treatment
Spastic Colon refers to the failed functioning of the contractions of muscles in the small and large intestine. It is also termed as irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. The word spastic is derived from a Greek word spastikos which means to pull up. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping accompanied by changes in bowel function like diarrhea and constipation. Many people suffer from urges to defecate followed by pain while the bowel is evacuated. Hence, it is important to start early spastic colon treatment. The cause for spastic colon is not known but research has shown that people suffering from spastic colon don't respond normally to gastrocolic reflex. The symptoms result from the break down in communication with the digestive tract.
The spastic colon treatment requires the patient to make certain adjustments to their diet to manage their symptoms. They are recommended to avoid foods having high amount of fat, meats and dairy products, processed foods, sugar, tobacco products and also alcohol. Most diets in spastic colon treatment encourage the addition of high fiber foods and probiotics that help to restore balance of the bowel. Legumes and beans also help. Beans such as lima beans, black beans and even peas have high fiber content. Fresh foods and vegetables like salads, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit and even pastas and breads made with whole grain and whole wheat are some alternatives to fast food. Along with dietary changes, exercise also assists in educing symptoms. However, exercise undertaken should be of low impact like walking or water exercise because high impact exercises may induce symptoms of spastic colon. Since stress has been a major cause to aggravate the symptoms of spastic colon, it is recommended to use stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga or biofeedback. A lot of people turn to alternative medicines for treatment. Some also believe that the ancient Chinese medicine namely acupuncture is helpful while others opt for Chinese herbs, therapeutic oils or reflexology. Very often, medications are prescribed to alleviate diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation which are the most common symptoms associated with spastic colon. These medications are anti-diarrhea like Imodium, pain reducing agents such as Amitriptyline and Desipramine and antispasmodics like Dicyclomine. Apart from the above mentioned dietary and lifestyle changes, there is a great need to build up strict treatment plan that works best for the patient so that there would be a degree of control. A patient gets immediate relief by treating the pain in the abdomen, diarrhea etc through pain killers followed by detailed examination of the disease and final medication. When symptoms such as unstoppable diarrhea, pain in the abdomen etc happen, consult your doctor so that you get an appropriate spastic colon treatment plan. |