Splenic flexure syndrome causes upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, and cramping in the colon area. Excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract is a common cause, leading to muscle spasms and pain. A special diet can help, but the exact cause is still unknown.
Splenic flexure syndrome (SFS) is a health condition that involves severe discomfort in the upper abdomen. Often exhibiting symptoms such as bloating or cramping in the colon area, the disease is sometimes classified as a form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The pain can also be very similar to that of a heart attack, and can also be confused with the onset of a cardiac episode, due to the proximity of the heart to the area of discomfort. As with any other form of IBS, there isn’t always consensus on what exactly can cause these kinds of problems, although there are some suspected causes for the condition that can be easily identified.
One of the more commonly accepted causes for splenic flexure syndrome is the development of excess gas in the gastrointestinal tract that does not go away. The trapped gas leads to significant upper abdominal discomfort and causes muscle spasms in the colon itself. In some cases, treatment by a doctor will be needed to help release trapped gas and provide the sufferer with a measure of relief.
At present, there is no consensus on what can cause gas trapping which in turn leads to muscle spasms, swelling and the extreme pain that is part of splenic flexure syndrome. There are some theories suggesting that the spasms themselves trigger gas trapping in the colon, exacerbating the level of discomfort. Research into this and other health issues involving the colon is ongoing, although various treatments are being used to address the symptoms and bring some relief to people with the condition.
To this end, people suffering from splenic flexure syndrome can be placed on a special diet that excludes the consumption of foods that tend to trigger the development of gas and bloating in the abdomen, especially in the colon. While foods considered gassy, like beans, are limited or excluded altogether, there are sometimes limits on foods like dark leafy greens as well. The patient may also believe that some foods not excluded from the diet plan should also be avoided, due to the triggering of unpleasant effects on the weakened gastrointestinal system. For this reason, a person suffering from splenic flexure syndrome or any other form of IBS should work closely with an experienced dietitian in order to come up with a plan that allows for the intake of essential nutrients while resulting in less cramping. and muscle spasms as possible. When combined with the right medication, this special diet can limit the number and severity of episodes, allowing the patient to enjoy a decent quality of life.
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