IBS with Constipation

Constipation is one of the symptoms often associated with IBS. The key symptom of IBS is abdominal pain and/or discomfort. The pain or discomfort is associated with a change in the frequency or consistency of bowel habit.  The altered bowel habit may be chronic or recurrent constipation, or diarrhea. Some people have both constipation and diarrhea, just at different times. Bloating or distention in the abdomen is also common.

The main bowel habit can change over time. In addition, symptom occurrence can fluctuate over time. There can be periods when symptoms flare-up as well as periods of remission when they diminish or disappear.

Constipation means different things to different people – even doctors. Doctors usually define constipation as hard pellet-like stools. Individuals usually think of constipation as infrequent stools, difficulty or straining at stools, feeling of being unable to completely empty during a bowel movement, or the sensation of wanting to go but not being able to.

Difference between IBS and Chronic Functional Constipation

In people with persistent or recurring constipation, the difference between IBS and chronic functional constipation is that people with IBS have abdominal discomfort or pain associated with their bowel habit, while people with functional constipation may not. Also, people with IBS have intervals of normal bowel habit or sometimes intervals of diarrhea with loose stool, while people with functional constipation would not. IBS with constipation as the main bowel symptom is sometimes referred to as IBS-C or constipation-predominant IBS.

IBS in the Real World Survey

In 2002 we contacted a random sample from our IFFGD database of U.S. adults diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and conducted telephone interviews. A total of 350 respondents who reported having an IBS diagnosis participated. While we recognize the results of the survey may not be generalizable to persons with IBS who have milder symptoms, nevertheless, the information from the respondents speaks for itself in communicating the tremendous burden IBS can impose upon a large proportion of sufferers.

Constipation-specific symptoms were varied and frequent. Among respondents who suffer from constipation, straining when having a bowel movement and hard or lumpy stools were the symptoms most often reported.

When asked about their most bothersome symptoms, approximately one-quarter of constipation sufferers reported abdominal pain, straining, infrequent stools, bloating and/or gas.

Episodes of gas, bloating, and abdominal pain were each described by constipation sufferers as occurring with an average frequency of over 200 times per year. Episodes of straining, infrequent stool, unable to completely empty, and nausea were reported as occurring between 100 to 150 times per year.

View the IBS in the Real World Survey – Summary Findings Report Go »

Living with IBS – Courageous Stories

I am a 47 year old woman whose IBS started when I was 28. It was first diagnosed as constipation and then IBS. I am also lactose intolerant which doesn't help at all. I’m prescribed a drug for constipation but two pills a day cause me to almost have a bowel movement accident and one a day doesn't seem to be enough. When I do have a bowel movement I have to go at least three times before feeling empty. Diet isn't always the answer. I have cut myself off from almost all foods and only a few plain foods will not irritate my stomach. Sometimes I’m afraid to eat period. I am afraid to go out; I automatically get a 'nervous' stomach. I tried taking anxiety and depression medication, but had to find a better way. I have a certain routine for traveling (flying). I clean my system the day before and will not eat afterward until I reach my destination. I am lucky to have such a supportive significant other.