IBS-C Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Relief Strategies for Constipation-Predominant IBS

Understanding IBS-C: A Common Digestive Disorder

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a long-term disorder that affects your gastrointestinal tract. IBS is one of the most common GI disorders diagnosed, with studies suggesting that around 12% of the population is living with it; however, it is thought that more people are living with it. Many believe that more people are living with it because a lot of people with IBS symptoms do not seek medical treatment.   

Symptoms of IBS-C: Constipation, Bloating, and Abdominal Pain

IBS can be categorized into four main types based on bowel habit patterns. 

• IBS-D is diarrhea-predominant

• IBS-M is mixed, meaning you may experience both diarrhea and constipation

• IBS-U is unclassified, meaning symptoms don’t really fit into the categories, and you may experience variable and non-specific bowel habits

• IBS-C is constipation-predominant. 

When living with IBS-C, you may have symptoms that include stomach pain or cramps, frequent gas and bloating, mucus in your poop, feeling like you are unable to empty your bowels after pooping, infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 times per week) or hard, lumpy or dry stools. 

The Impact of IBS-C on Quality of Life

A study done by Trindade et al. was able to show that IBS patients experienced a lower quality of life than individuals living without IBS. The study looked at limitations in life from a health perspective (stomach pain and constipation) and changes in emotional and social functioning. Many living with IBS-C can feel anxiety that is directly related to wondering when they will have a flare-up with IBS, which can impact not only their social life but also their emotional life. Regarding social life, planning an outing without knowing when symptoms may strike can be tough. As for emotional life, some may compare their symptoms to those that are symptom-free, and that can feel extremely unfair and can lower self-esteem. Those with IBS-C may also notice less work-related productivity due to missed days at work. 

When to Consider Linzess: A Discussion with Your Doctor

Evaluating Your Symptoms: Is Linzess Right for You?

Luckily, if you struggle with IBS-C and abdominal pain, there may be options for you! Linzess is a medication that has been studied for those with IBS-C. It has been studied in two double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicentered trials in adults with IBS-C. In both trials, the proportion of patients who responded positively to Linzess (meaning less stomach pain and constipation) was statistically significantly higher than the placebo group. 

When taking Linzess, it is important to remember that you have to take it consistently every day to truly see the benefits. If you feel that you can take Linzess every day, once a day, at around the same time of day, and on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before eating), then Linzess may be a topic that you want to bring up with your healthcare provider! 

Lifestyle Modifications: Complementary Strategies

If you struggle with IBS-C, medications may not be the only option for you. There are some complementary strategies to consider, which include the following: 

• Aim to eat 25-38 grams of fiber. Sources of fiber that can be useful for constipation include the skins of fruits and vegetables, wheat, rice bran, and whole wheat.

• Increase your fluid intake to a minimum of 64 oz each day.

• Move your body daily. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

• Add sources of pro/prebiotics to your day.

• You may consider fiber supplements like psyllium and methylcellulose. If you do this, make sure you drink plenty of fluids, as starting fiber supplements without adequate water may worsen constipation.

• Embrace the urge for a bowel movement! If you have the urge to go, do not wait.
  

1. _{Chey, W. D., Kurlander, J., & Eswaran, S. (2015). Irritable bowel syndrome: a clinical review. JAMA, 313(9), 949–958. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2015.0954} 

2. _{Current Guidelines. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). https://odphp.health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines/current-guidelines} 

3. _{Linzess® (linaclotide) for IBS-C, CIC, functional constipation symptoms. LINZESS. (n.d.). https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/linzess_pi.pdf} 

4. _{Trindade, I. A., Melchior, C., Törnblom, H., & Simrén, M. (2022). Quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome: Exploring mediating factors through structural equation modelling. Journal of psychosomatic research, 159, 110809. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110809} 

5. _{What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 7). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs}