Functional colopathy is a digestive disorder which is characterized mainly by painful sensations in the stomach, frequent and chronic (persisting for at least 3 months).

It is also referred to as irritable bowel syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome.

It is an extremely common disease, the causes of which are not yet fully understood. It is estimated that approximately 15% of adults in the general population complain of symptoms typical of functional colopathy. About a third of them see a doctor for this reason. Women are more prone to this type of disorder than men.

The causes of functional colopathy are not precisely known. Several hypotheses are however advanced to explain the symptoms, which are characterized by:

• stomach pains such as “spasms” or cramps (90% of cases)  
• diarrhea, constipation or alternation of the two
• bloating
• sometimes digestive disorders (nausea, headaches, etc. after meals).

The researchers believe that this discomfort is due to an alteration in the “motility” of the colon and the intestine, that is to say the automatic movements of contraction that the intestinal muscles make to move the bolus of food forward through the tube. digestive.

If the motility is too high, or on the contrary too slow, transit disorders and pain may appear.

It is also likely that people with irritable bowel syndrome have excessive sensitivity in the intestines. They therefore experience normal digestion phenomena, including gas-related dilation or normal contractions such as painful spasms.

Finally, the intestinal flora could play a role in the appearance of these pathologies. This is more and more studied and we understand that its composition, balance and proper functioning are essential to good intestinal health. It also has an influence on digestive motor skills and sensitivity.

 Several studies are currently being carried out to better understand the links between functional colopathy and the intestinal microbiome.

As women are more often affected than men, hormones could also play a role.

Even if psychological causes are not the only ones involved in this type of pathologies, they can worsen the symptoms, or even trigger them.

Reducing stress is therefore important when suffering from functional colopathy.

Functional colopathy is not a serious disease in itself, but it can significantly affect the quality of life of those affected. Its chronic, unpredictable and painful nature can be morally exhausting.

Functional digestive disorders are a very frequent symptom of general medicine consultations and we know that they have a certain economic impact (absenteeism, battery of medical examinations, treatments, etc.).

Unfortunately, no treatment can cure functional colopathy. Some medications can temporarily relieve symptoms, but they do not address the causes.

This is the case, for example, with anti-spasmodics, anti-diarrhea or laxatives which may be recommended in the event of a crisis. Activated charcoal can sometimes relieve bloating or gas.

However, these treatments cannot be taken continuously over the long term. We must therefore find natural ways to relieve the symptoms, for example by identifying the foods that trigger the attacks, by trying to reduce stress and anxiety, by applying a hot water bottle to the stomach in case of spasms, etc.