(IBS) How to identify a spastic colon
By Annali Van Zyl
Different individuals can have different triggers for their IBS symptoms. If you suffer any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or in layman's terms - a spastic colon...
How to identify a spastic colon (IBS)
If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or in layman's terms - a spastic colon.
The cause of IBS is unknown and even though there are no known cures, it can be treated to greatly alleviate these (sometimes excruciating) symptoms. Mostly experienced as a chronic condition - this disease can be treated by a healthy diet and some lifestyle changes.
Different individuals can have different triggers for their IBS symptoms. Although symptoms made seem random at first, you will eventually see a pattern. Once these are under control, they can be managed to disappear altogether.
Abdominal pain or cramping
Severe abdominal pain could be an indication of IBS - does it feel like your "insides" are constantly in a twist, or you feel something inside you moving (and you are certain you aren't pregnant). It could be your bowel!
Feeling bloated
Walking around with a bloated stomach with several people asking you (awkwardly) whether you are pregnant? This bloat-bump could be caused by severe IBS.
Diarrhoea or constipation
Do you suffer from spurts of both - it might sound insane, but are you running to the porcelain throne one minute, with no results the next? This could be an indication and a symptom of IBS.
Constant nausea
A constant feeling of nausea could indicate you are pregnant yes, but it is also an indication that your bowel isn't functioning as it should be.
Unbearable menstrual pain
Normal menstrual pain could be pure torture as is - combine this with IBS and you could be suffering from excruciating abdominal pain, often misguided for only PMS.
Unexplained weight loss
For most women this is definitely NOT a reason to complain - however it might become concerning if you are dropping the weight in a short time without any exercise or diet. Rather have your GP take a look at it.