Constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) is a subtype of IBS that causes constipation and abdominal pain.
IBS-C makes up about a third of all cases of IBS.
Constipation is when stools are hard and difficult to pass.
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Sometimes, this means straining to have a bowel movement.
Stools may also be infrequent, such as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.
A set of guidelines called theRome IV criteriais used to diagnoseIBS and its subtypes.
As a result of more studies on IBS, It is now called a disorder of gut-brain interaction.
The nervous system has a two-way street between the digestive system and the brain.
One can affect the other, and that’s what is thought to be happening in IBS.
The brain and the gut are not communicating well enough to work effectively.
When the criteria for IBS are met, more testing may not be recommended.
But this is no longer done as a matter of course if someone meets the Rome Criteria for IBS.
However, some people may feel better about the diagnosis of IBS after testing.
Warning Symptoms
Some signs and symptoms are not a part of IBS-C.
Avoiding foods that contain FODMAPs may be one strategy to help prevent a flare-up.
Working with a dietitian helps understand FODMAPs because knowing which foods contain them is difficult.
A low-FODMAP dietis recommended for many people who live with a form of IBS.
The diet has several phases.
It is helpful to work with a healthcare provider to get it started.
Foods will first be eliminated from the diet, and some will be added back over time.
Increasing soluble fibermay help with some symptoms of IBS.Soluble fiberhelps make stool softer and easier to pass.
Soluble fiber can be obtained through foods or supplements, especially psyllium fiber.
A few studies have shownpeppermint oilin enteric-coated capsules may help relax the intestinal muscles.
The muscles working better to move stool through may relieve constipation.
Lifestyle Modifications
Increasing physical activity (exercise) may also help with IBS-C.
In general, exercise helps improve overall health.
It may also help get the bowels moving, making it easier to pass stool.
Exercise could also be associated with a better quality of life.
People feel better overall when they exercise on a regular schedule.
Treatments and Medications
Treatments for IBS-Ccan also include mental health modalities and medication.
Some of theprescription medicationsthat might be used to treat IBS-C are:
Should You Take Miralax?
However, the evidence says otherwise.
Someideas for self-careinclude:
IBS-C vs.
Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation, or functional constipation, is different from IBS-C.
The major difference is abdominal pain.
Abdominal pain must be present to diagnose IBS-C.Functional constipation might not cause any pain.
The treatments for the two conditions may also be different.
For instance, a low-FODMAP diet may not help functional constipation.
These two conditions might be different ends of the same spectrum of disease.
but that is yet unproven, and research is ongoing.
Summary
IBS-C is a complicated condition whose causes are unknown.
A disruption in the gut-brain connection may be the source.
A set of criteria is used to diagnose IBS-C, and other testing may not be necessary.
Over-the-counter laxatives are not recommended because they don’t help with abdominal pain.
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