How to Treat a Spastic Colon

Even though a spastic colon---also known as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS---is not a dangerous condition, it can cause extreme discomfort and inconvenience. While there is no cure for a spastic colon, many options exist for treating the symptoms of stomach cramping, diarrhea, constipation and bloating.

Things You'll Need

• Materials to record symptoms
• Over-the-counter medications
• Metamucil
• Heating pad or hot water bottle
• Chamomile
• Ginger
• Water

Instructions

1. Keep track of triggers. Many people with IBS find that certain foods or conditions make their symptoms worse. By keeping track of what you've eaten, what you've done and what your symptoms are, you can avoid triggers and cut down on IBS symptoms in the future. Common triggers include caffeine, dairy, sugar, fats, alcohol, sleep deficiency or stress.

2. Change your diet---slowly. In addition to avoiding or reducing trigger foods, gradually increase your intake of dietary fiber. Fiber can treat both the constipation and diarrhea associated with IBS. However, abrupt changes in diet---even for the better---can make IBS symptoms worse. Try adding a fiber supplement such as Metamucil to your diet to ease the transition.

3. Practice relaxation techniques. Stress can trigger IBS symptoms, so learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization can calm IBS flare-ups.

4. Get enough sleep. Researchers theorize that there is a link between sleep deficiency and IBS, and anecdotal evidence from IBS sufferers confirms that symptoms worsen after inadequate sleep. In addition to disrupting your body's natural ability to heal itself, insufficient sleep can lead to increased consumption of caffeine or sugar---both common culprits in IBS flare-ups.

5. Try over-the-counter medications. If diarrhea is your main symptom, consider trying over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol or Immodium AD. Be aware that some digestive system medications---such as antacids or laxatives---can make diarrhea worse.

6. Take an herbal approach. If you'd rather not use drugs to treat your symptoms, consider using chamomile or ginger. Chamomile is an anti-spasmodic, meaning it can soothe intestinal contractions, while ginger can reduce nausea and cramping. You can brew chamomile or ginger in tea, or buy ginger root, ginger tablets, or ginger chews.

7. Eat lightly. If you're suffering an IBS flare-up, eat lighter meals that do not contain any of your trigger foods. Toast, rice, bananas, and broth-based soups are all gentle on the digestive system.

8. Use heat. A heating pad or hot-water bottle applied to the abdomen can provide comfort for cramping.

9. Stay hydrated. Adequate hydration can reduce constipation, and it's vital to replacing water lost due to loose stools.

10. Be prepared for an attack. Leaving home can be stressful for someone who suffers from IBS. When you're out and about, know where nearby bathrooms are so you won't panic---which will make symptoms worse---if you need to find one quickly. Bring over-the-counter medications or ginger tablets/chews with you to treat symptoms until you can get back home. Avoid trigger foods when eating out.

11. Talk to a doctor. If home remedies aren't enough to curb your IBS, talk to a doctor. Prescription medications, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and anti-spasmodics can all reduce IBS symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• To treat constipation associated with IBS, use a fiber supplement such as Metamucil rather than a laxative, to avoid diarrhea. Make sure teas used to treat IBS are completely herbal, as black, green and white tea leaves all contain caffeine.