Every day, medicine discovers new diseases, syndromes, and causes of various complications in human life that previously lacked any explanation. Some of them are still completely unknown or rarely discussed, like irritable colon syndrome, but it can occur in anyone’s life, at any age. In this article, we provide more clarification about this syndrome and everything surrounding it, as well as its symptoms and treatments so that patients can live healthily. It is very common to hear about abdominal or intestinal discomforts, such as cramps or even associated with excessive gas that causes discomfort. Cases of diarrhea, constipation, and even involuntary intestinal movements that may seem normal can be indicative of a little-known syndrome, irritable colon syndrome. However, for this diagnosis to be confirmed, it must be associated with other factors. Therefore, if the discomfort is persistent, it is worth talking to your doctor.

What is Irritable Colon Syndrome?

Irritable colon syndrome, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a disease that affects the digestive tract (large and small intestine) and is diagnosed by a set of symptoms and factors that must be monitored by a doctor with long-term treatment. Usually, abdominal discomfort associated with constipation, diarrhea, severe cramps, and intense unexplained intestinal movements, without any biochemical or structural changes in the body, and which are followed by the following signs:

  • The pain stops or reduces after a bowel movement;
  • The discomfort and crises are associated with changes in the frequency of bowel movements;
  • Change in the shape of the stool;
  • Ongoing or not, pain for 12 weeks.

Causes of Irritable Colon Syndrome

The walls of the intestines are made up of a muscular lining that contracts and relaxes as it receives ingested food. This food passes through the stomach and heads towards the rectum, where it is eliminated. In the case of patients with irritable colon syndrome, this process of contractions ends up being more intense and lasts longer than normal, which produces the characteristic discomforts of the disease. There are also cases where patients with irritable colon syndrome face the exact opposite situation. The normal intestinal contractions necessary to move the ingested food to the rectum are reduced and slow down the food’s passage, resulting in harder stools that cause more discomfort, even making it difficult to evacuate. The disease has been studied relentlessly to discover its real cause, but there is still no plausible answer. A combination of factors may be involved in the occurrence of the disease, such as:

  • Diet;
  • Stress
  • Hormonal;
  • Gastrointestinal diseases;

Diet

It has been found that irritable colon syndrome flare-ups can be linked to food intolerance or allergic reactions to certain foods. Among the main foods that can trigger these crises are chocolate, beans, fats, fried foods, cabbage, milk, carbonated drinks, broccoli, cauliflower, and alcohol. When the patient is diagnosed with the disease, a key part of treatment is changing eating habits, where some foods are strictly prohibited to avoid worsening the condition.

Stress

Nervous people and those with stress issues can develop gastrointestinal problems, which may be linked to the emergence of irritable colon syndrome. Observed in patients diagnosed with the disease, during times of high stress, flare-ups are more frequent and abdominal discomfort is even greater.

Hormonal

Specialists believe that irritable colon syndrome may be related to hormones due to the higher occurrence among women than men. It has been observed that symptoms and worsening of the disease also occur during periods of intense hormonal fluctuation, such as around the menstrual period.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

It has been observed that patients who already suffer from intestinal problems or gastrointestinal diseases are more likely to develop irritable colon syndrome. This may be related to repeated episodes of acute infectious diarrhea or even excessive bacterial growth in the intestines, which could trigger the onset of irritable colon syndrome.

Who Can Have Irritable Colon Syndrome?

Abdominal discomfort and intestinal disorders can happen to anyone and at any age, so it’s not a symptom that should be analyzed in isolation to be related to the disease in question. But there are the considered risk groups, which should be given special attention, even during diagnosis.

  • Men and women up to 45 years old;
  • Having cases of the disease in the family;
  • The disease affects both men and women, but being a woman is a risk factor;
  • Having conditions like anxiety, depression, or any personality disorder.

Symptoms of Irritable Colon Syndrome

The symptoms of irritable colon syndrome can easily be mistaken for discomforts considered normal in human life. Therefore, they need to be observed alongside other occurrences and signs that the body is providing. The disease can also cause variations, from person to person, so a personal medical evaluation is essential in the patient’s case.

  • Constant abdominal pain;
  • Recurrent severe cramps;
  • Constant gas and sensation of bloating;
  • Presence of mucus in the stool;
  • Chronic diarrhea;
  • Chronic constipation;

Irritable colon syndrome causes intense symptoms and at certain phases, the signs may subside or disappear completely. As a result, this can make diagnosis difficult, or the patient may simply not seek help, thinking it is just a normal intestinal disorder. If the symptoms persist periodically, see a doctor to report what is happening. If the patient does not receive appropriate treatment, the worsening of the syndrome is inevitable, in addition to the crises becoming more frequent and increasingly severe. If you notice bleeding from the rectum accompanied by intense abdominal pain, gradual and unintentional weight loss, and severe dehydration, seek immediate emergency care.

Disease Diagnosis

The doctors who can confirm the diagnosis of the disease are: general practitioners and gastroenterologists. Generally, the diagnosis is made through analysis of symptoms and some evaluation exams. Dietary habit changes, including suspending lactose consumption for a period, can help the specialist confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests to analyze red blood cells and stool cultures, to rule out possible infections, may be requested. The specialist may request additional tests to analyze the intestine, such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy. A CT scan and X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract may also be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Irritable Colon Syndrome

Since the actual cause of the disease has not yet been found, the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and provide a better quality of life for the patient. Some medications can be used, but the best treatment response comes mainly through dietary changes. Implementing fiber supplements, eliminating fatty foods and carbonated drinks, as well as cutting gluten from the diet, are some of the main steps. Medications are to control symptoms, such as antidiarrheal drugs, antispasmodics to control gas, and in some cases, low-dose antidepressants. Regular physical activity is also essential for better treatment results.
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