![]() ![]() ![]() It may be helpful to work with a dietitian to better understand possible food triggers. Examples include the “low FODMAP” diet (a diet that is low in certain fermentable sugars) and the gluten free diet (a diet that excludes certain proteins that are found in many grains). Specific diets have been studied and have shown benefit for some patients. Cutting down on caffeine, soda and gas-producing foods is often recommended. Increasing the amount of soluble fiber in one’s diet (for example, oats, psyllium, and flax) can be helpful. However, the specific foods that bring on symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some people find that certain foods can “trigger” or set off symptoms of IBS-C. Lifestyle modifications for IBS-C include reducing or avoiding alcohol and tobacco products, improving sleep habits and getting regular exercise. Treatments include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, psychosocial therapy, and medications. Treatments may be focused on improving the uncomfortable symptoms of IBS-C – such as abdominal pain and bloating – or on improving bowel function. There is no cure, so the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms as much as possible. It can, however, affect a person’s quality of life. Examples of alarm symptoms include weight loss, bleeding, or if IBS-C symptoms start after age 50 in a person that did not frequently have these symptoms before. There are also “alarm symptoms” that suggest that something other than IBS-C may causing a person’s symptoms. In certain situations, a limited amount of testing (such as blood work or imaging studies) may be needed to make sure some other condition is not present. There are no lab tests or imaging studies that can confirm a diagnosis of IBS-C. The most important of these criteria include the presence of abdominal pain or discomfort and change in bowel habits. The diagnosis is based on a thorough medical history and physical exam. Doctors use a tool called the Rome criteria, a list of specific symptoms and factors that can help determine if someone has IBS-C. In addition, researchers are looking into possible roles of genetics and/or changes in the immune system. There is evidence that bacteria which are normally found in the gut, or changes to the composition of those bacteria, play a role. It could also be related to changes in the messages between the brain and the intestines. In some patients, IBS-C may happen after a past infection in the gut. Some experts think that it relates to changes in how the intestines move and contract, or changes in how the gut senses pain. In most cases, symptoms are ongoing (chronic), but they may come and go. With IBS-C, abdominal discomfort often improves after a bowel movement. How often a person passes stool, or the way it appears, may be different when abdominal discomfort is happening. They may need to press on a part of their body or change body position to help them complete their bowel movement. Some people may feel as if there is a “blockage” preventing them from passing stools. Changes in bowel function may include straining, infrequent stools, hard or lumpy stools, and/or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely. The symptoms of IBS-C include abdominal pain and discomfort, along with changes in bowel function. Having hard stools that are difficult to pass or the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement are signs of constipation. Generally, constipation is when stools don’t pass often enough (less than three times per week). IBS-C is a type of IBS in which the abdominal discomfort or bloating happens with constipation. Symptoms include frequent abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort, and changes in the appearance or frequency of bowel movements. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder affecting 7-21% of the general population. What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation (IBS-C)? ![]()
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