What is irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)?

Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that causes frequent bloating, abdominal pain, and infrequent stools that are also hard to pass. While not life threatening, IBS-C can be extremely uncomfortable and interfere with your day-to-day activities.

How do antispasmodic drugs treat irritable bowel syndrome?

Antispasmodic drugs such as dicyclomine (Bentyl) and hyoscyamine (Levsin) relieve the stomach cramps brought on by IBS by relaxing the smooth muscle of the gut. But they also may cause constipation, so they aren’t usually prescribed for people who suffer IBS-C. Other side effects are dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision.

How do you treat IBS with constipation?

Just jot down your IBS symptoms, then note the type and amount of foods you ate during the meals before the symptoms started. Some people use bulking agents, commonly known as fiber supplements, to treat IBS with constipation. These include:

Do laxatives help irritable bowel syndrome?

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome turn to laxatives to relieve constipation. But it’s important to understand exactly how much these treatments can help the condition. Laxatives help you go to the bathroom and may work well for occasional constipation.

Can IBS with constipation be treated?

For those who have IBS with constipation (IBS-C), some traditional IBS advice may not apply as it’s geared towards different symptoms. By making lifestyle changes and trying medications that are suited to IBS-C, you can reduce your constipation and intestinal pain. You can also try alternative therapies to see if they work for you.

What is the difference between IBS and functional constipation?

feeling of being unable to completely empty during a bowel movement, or the sensation of wanting to go but not being able to. There’s a Difference between IBS and Chronic Functional Constipation People with IBS have abdominal discomfort or pain associated with their bowel habit. They may have symptoms that overlap with functional constipation.

Does IBS-C cause bloating and pain?

Once you do have a bowel movement with IBS-C, your bloating and pain may go away temporarily. However, these symptoms tend to come back. What makes IBS-C different from regular constipation is that it causes significant bloating and pain that you likely wouldn’t have if you were constipated.