Patient Education

Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation (IBS-C)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder affecting 7-21% of the general population. Symptoms include frequent abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort, and changes in the appearance or frequency of bowel movements. IBS-C is a type of IBS in which the abdominal discomfort or bloating happens with constipation. Generally, constipation is when stools don’t often pass enough (less than three times per week). Having hard stools that are difficult to pass or the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement are signs of constipation.

Woman holding Stomach, Digestive pains Long Island Gastroenterology

What Causes IBS-C-?

The cause of IBS-C is not known. Some experts think that it relates to changes in how the intestines move and contract, or changes in how the gut senses pain. In some patients, IBS-C may happen after a past infection in the gut. It could also be related to changes in the messages between the brain and the intestines. There is evidence that bacteria which are normally found in the gut, or changes to the composition of those bacteria, play a role. In addition, researchers are looking into possible roles of genetics and/or changes in the immune system.

What are the Symptoms of IBS-C?

The symptoms of IBS-C include abdominal pain and discomfort, along with changes in bowel function. Bloating and/or gas also may happen. Changes in bowel function may include straining, infrequent stools, hard or lumpy stools, and/or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely. Some people may feel as if there is a “blockage” preventing them from passing stools. They may need to press on a part of their body or change body position to help them complete their bowel movement. How often a person passes stool, or the way it appears, may be different when abdominal discomfort is happening. With IBS-C, abdominal discomfort often improves after a bowel movement. In most cases, symptoms are ongoing (chronic), but they may come and go.

irritable bowel syndrome visual diagram medical view

For Your Information:

 IMPROVING DIGESTIVE HEALTH THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN ENDOSCOPY Since its founding in 1941, ASGE has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Gastrointestinal endoscopy helps patients through screening, diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. Visit www.asge.org to learn how you can support GI endoscopic research, education and public outreach through a donation to the ASGE Foundation.

Since its founding in 1941, ASGE has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy helps patients through screening, diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. Learn how you can support GI endoscopic research, education and public outreach through a donation to the ASGE Foundation.

For more information visit, www.asge.org or www.screen4coloncancer.org

Copyright © 2018 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Need Help or have a question?

Our offices are open weekdays!

For Office Hours and Locations visit our Contact Us  Page.

send us a message

Contact us and we will happily respond