Living With IBS-C
Posted Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Around 20–40% of all visits to a gastroenterologist are due to symptoms caused by IBS.
01 | Introduction
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) is a common disorder that causes abdominal discomfort or bloating. It is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that currently has no known cure. While it can be extremely uncomfortable and affect your day-to-day activities, it is not life-threatening.
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02 | Symptoms
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All types of IBS can cause bowel changes and abdominal pain, but IBS-C has a few more distinct symptoms. Some of the more typical signs and symptoms of IBS-C include:
- Painful bloating
- Excessive gas
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week)
- Feeling like there’s a rock or a block in your stomach
- Feeling like your bowel can’t pass stools completely
- Lumpy or hard stool
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03 | Causes
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Although the cause of IBS-C is unknown, researchers believe there are some factors that may contribute to the condition, including:
- Fluid absorption. The colon may absorb too much fluid from stools which causes it to become dry, hard and more difficult to pass.
- Nerve sensitivity. Nerves in the intestine are extra sensitive, which causes more discomfort or pain for those with IBS-C.
- Brain-Bowel connection. There may be a miscommunication between the brain and the bowel.
04 | Treatments
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While IBS-C has no known cure, there are stills several ways you can manage, relieve and prevent IBS. The following are some methods that can have a significant positive impact on the symptoms:
- Low FODMAP diets — FODMAPS are hard to digest carbohydrates
- Fiber and stool softeners — Help regulate bowel movement
- Probiotics — These introduce healthy bacteria to the gut to alleviate IBS symptoms
- Regular exercise
- Reducing stress
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Learn More
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For more information on IBS-C and supportive resources, please visit mayoclinic.org
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References
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016 ![]()
https://www.healthline.com/health/ibs-constipation#causes ![]()
https://www.linzess.com/understanding-constipation/what-is-ibs-c ![]()
https://aboutibs.org/what-is-ibs/facts-about-ibs/
