COLON, IRRITABLE (Spastic Colon; Mucous Colitis; Spastic Colitis; Irritable Bowel Syndrome) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--An irritative and inflammatory disorder involving the large and small intestines. It is not contagious, inherited or cancerous--but it probably is stress-related. Flare-ups may be triggered by approaching competitive events.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSThe following symptoms usually begin in early adult life. Episodes may last for days, weeks or months:
Cramplike pain in the middle or to one side of the lower abdomen. Pain is usually relieved with a bowel movement.
Nausea.
Bloating and gas.
Occasional appetite loss that may lead to weight loss.
Diarrhea or constipation, usually alternating.
Fatigue.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Concentration difficulty.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Stress and emotional conflict prior to athletic competition, resulting in anxiety or depression.
Obsessive worry about everyday problems or about self-image.
Concern about performance.
Marital tension.
Fear of loss of a beloved person or object.
Death of a loved one.
Improper diet. Symptoms may be triggered by eating, though no specific food has been identified as responsible.
Smoking.
Excess alcohol consumption.
Use of drugs.
Fatigue or overwork.
Poor physical fitness.
HOW TO PREVENTReduce stress or try to modify your response to it. An exercise program without competition may protect against flare-ups because it reduces stress.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory studies, including stool studies, to exclude other disorders such as lactose intolerance, ulcers, parasites, enzyme deficiency and ulcerative colitis.
X-ray of the colon (barium enema).
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this illness.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSCurable if the underlying causes can be eliminated or modified. If not, symptoms can be controlled with treatment.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Decreased athletic performance.
Poor nutrition caused by malabsorption.
Psychological fixation on bowel function, leading to neurosis.
Increased risk of colon cancer.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Medication.
Counseling with a trained therapist to define, confront and solve conflicts in day-to-day living.
HOME TREATMENT
Diet changes.
Adequate rest.
MEDICATIONMedication can help control symptoms, but it cannot cure this disorder. Your doctor may prescribe:
Antispasmodics to relieve severe abdominal cramps.
Tranquilizers to reduce anxiety.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions. Good physical fitness improves bowel function.
DIET
Increase fiber in the diet to promote good bowel function.
Don't eat foods that aggravate symptoms.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of an irritable colon, and any of the following occur:
Fever develops.
Stool is black or tarry-looking.
You begin vomiting.
You lose 5 pounds or more for unknown reasons.
Symptoms don't improve despite treatment.
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