Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
What is IBS-C?
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) is a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by ongoing abdominal pain or discomfort and infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools.
It is classified as a disorder of gut-brain interaction, meaning symptoms are driven by how the brain and digestive system communicate rather than by a structural problem. The gut and brain are connected through a two-way communication system, and because the gut has its own extensive network of nerves, it’s sometimes referred to as the “second brain.” Changes in one can influence the other, contributing to IBS-C symptoms.
IBS-C is one of the most common types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects roughly 10–15% of people in North America1. It is more commonly diagnosed in people under 50, with women being twice as likely to develop the disorder 2,1. Like other forms of IBS, IBS-C is chronic, with symptoms that vary in severity over time.
Common Symptoms of IBS-C
IBS-C can feel different from person to person, but many patients experience a combination of the following symptoms:
- Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating or abdominal distension
- Constipation, commonly defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feeling like bowel movements are incomplete
In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, IBS-C is associated with broader impacts on quality of life. Studies show that individuals with IBS often report higher levels of stress, fatigue, and disruption to daily life compared to those without the condition
IBS-C at a Glance
IBS affects an estimated 10-15% of the population in North America.1
IBS-C accounts for about 35% of IBS cases3
More prevalent in women than in men1
Most often diagnosed in people under 50, although it can persist long term2
Defined by abdominal pain or discomfort with constipation
IBS-C symptoms are chronic and can vary over time
What Causes IBS-C?
IBS-C is considered a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), meaning the signals between the brain and digestive system don’t always work as they should. While the exact underlying cause of IBS-C isn’t fully understood, it is thought to result from a combination of factors, including:
Slower movement through the digestive tract, which can lead to constipation
Increased sensitivity in the intestines, where normal digestion may feel painful (visceral hypersensitivity)
A weakened intestinal barrier, allowing unwanted substances to pass through the gut lining more easily (increased intestinal permeability)
Many people also notice that their symptoms are triggered or worsened by certain factors, such as stress or anxiety, specific foods, or hormonal changes. These triggers can vary from person to person.
Nancy’s Story
Living with IBS-C
Hear from Nancy, as she shares her journey to an IBS-C diagnosis, what it meant to finally have a label for what she was feeling, and the ways she manages her disorder today.
Watch HereHow is IBS-C Diagnosed?
There isn’t a single test to diagnose IBS-C. Instead, healthcare providers make a diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history, and ruling out other conditions.
Doctors often use the Rome criteria, which focus on key symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, changes in frequency of bowel movements, and changes in the appearance or consistency of stool.
Abdominal pain or discomfort is an important part of the diagnosis and helps tell IBS-C apart from chronic constipation. To meet these criteria, symptoms usually need to be present for several months.
IBS-C Treatment Options
While there’s no cure for IBS-C, many people find relief with a combination of lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, exercise, stress management or gut-directed therapy, and FDA-approved medications for IBS-C.
References
- Ballou S, Bedell A, Keefer L. Psychosocial impact of irritable bowel syndrome: A brief review. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2015 Nov 15;6(4):120-3. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v6.i4.120. PMID: 26600969; PMCID: PMC4644875.
- El-Salhy M. Irritable bowel syndrome: diagnosis and pathogenesis. World J Gastroenterol. 2012 Oct 7;18(37):5151-63. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i37.5151. PMID: 23066308; PMCID: PMC3468846.
- Chandar AK. Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation in the primary-care setting: focus on linaclotide. Int J Gen Med. 2017 Oct 31;10:385-393. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S126581. PMID: 29184433; PMCID: PMC5673039.
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