Do you have IBS-C? Your persistent constipation may be more than just an irritating issue. Before you brush off constipation or continue trying at-home remedies, take a look at what you need to know about IBS-C symptoms, how to get a diagnosis, and what your treatment options are.

Isn't IBS the Opposite of Constipation?

Is IBS-C Common?

You may have heard of IBS — but IBS-C may be a new term to you. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, between 10 and 15 percent of Americans have IBS. This statistic represents the total number of people with all IBS conditions. Only part of this percentage has IBS-C.

Do All People Who Have Constipation Have IBS-C?

Simply stated, no. IBS-C is a condition that includes symptoms beyond constipation. Along with changes in bowel function (no or few stools, difficulty passing stools, or hard/lumpy stools), people with IBS-C often also have abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, or gas. 

Even though both IBS-C and chronic constipation may persist for weeks, months, or longer, people with IBS-C will sometimes have periods of remission or normal bowel movements. Constipation from other causes isn't as likely to have this type of periodic symptom onset.

How Do You Know If You Have IBS-C?

It's easy to know when you are constipated. Your bowel movements change and suddenly it seems like your stools stop. Constipation can happen for a few different reasons — and many of them don't include IBS-C. A low-fiber diet, dehydration, lack of physical activity and exercise, excess dairy intake, stress, and some medications can cause this common GI issue. 

Given the potential causes of constipation, how do patients know whether they have temporary or transient constipation, IBS-C, or another chronic condition? The only way to confirm IBS-C is with a doctor's diagnosis. You should never diagnose yourself with this GI issue.

If you haven't already seen a specialist for your abdominal symptoms, your primary care physician (PCP) can refer you to a gastroenterologist. These specialists are medical doctors with extra training in the conditions and diseases of the digestive tract (including the intestines, colon, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder). 

Before diagnosing IBS-C (or any other GI condition), the gastroenterologist will take a full health history and complete a physical exam. If your symptoms fit the criteria for an IBS-C diagnosis, but may still have another cause, the doctor may order blood work or an imaging study (such as a colonoscopy). 

How Do Gastroenterologists Treat IBS-C?

After you’ve seen the doctor, you may end up with an IBS-C diagnosis. Now what? You don't have to live with constant constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or other related symptoms. While there isn't a cure for this condition, the doctor can help you to manage or possibly eliminate the symptoms. Some types of dietary or lifestyle changes can help to ease discomfort from constipation. The doctor may recommend that you eat a higher fiber diet, hydrate often, or increase physical activity.

Along with these modifications, you may also need to take medications. These could include lubiprostone (for women ages 18-plus) or linaclotide. Lubiprostone works by increasing the fluid in secretions made by the small intestines. Linaclotide increases bowel movements, making it less likely you'll experience constipation. The doctor may prescribe one of these medications or recommend the use of medication in combination with lifestyle factor changes.

Do you think that you may have IBS-C? Contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center for more information.