
avoid gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It’s estimated that between 70 and 84 percent of people with IBS may experience worsening symptoms related to certain foods.įor these reasons, a doctor may recommend that you do the following: You may also consider taking a food sensitivity test or keeping a food journal. Lifestyle remedies can go a long way in supporting medical approaches to IBS-C treatment.Īccording to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), getting enough sleep and exercising regularly can help:īefore trying fiber supplements for IBS-C, you may consider increasing soluble fiber in your diet first. If they think these supplements may help your condition, they can also offer product and dosage recommendations. Talk with a doctor before taking probiotics for IBS-C. While the effects on IBS aren’t as clear, a 2020 review of studies suggests that these supplements may improve stool frequency and consistency in people with IBS-C, while other researchers note that probiotics may be more helpful with diarrhea. help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The most common forms of bacteria you may find on probiotic product labels include Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.Īccording to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, probiotics may also: While researchers are still working to understand the exact effects of probiotics on IBS-C, it’s thought that these live microorganisms may support your gut by supplying it with “good” bacteria. Probiotics for IBS-CĪdditionally, a doctor may recommend a probiotic supplement along with medication and dietary changes. These may also help improve secondary symptoms of IBS-C, such as anxiety and depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that may help improve brain-gut interactions. You may find your bowel movements are frequent and easier to pass. These help with IBS-C by softening stools in your intestines. Antispasmodics are used to help relax your GI tract and reduce gut spasms.Īnother option is a new class of medications called prosecretory agents.
If OTC options don’t work, you may need a prescription medication. Products with peppermint oil may also be helpful for some individuals. The idea is that softening your stools and increasing your bowel movements may improve other symptoms of discomfort. Options may include:Ĭertain “detox” teas may also have similar laxative effects that you can discuss with a doctor. MedicationsĪ doctor will likely recommend over-the-counter (OTC) constipation treatments first. While IBS can’t be cured, treatments can help you feel less bloating and pain, along with improved bowel movement patterns. Treatment for IBS-C focuses on reducing your symptoms and improving your overall quality of life. IBS does not cause bloody stools or unintentional weight loss. What makes IBS-C different from regular constipation is that it causes significant bloating and pain that you likely would not have if you were constipated. However, these symptoms tend to come back. When you do have a bowel movement with IBS-C, your bloating and pain may go away temporarily. feeling like your bowel can’t pass stools completely.more than a quarter of your stools are hard or lumpy.infrequent bowel movements (less than three per week).feeling like there’s a rock or a block in your stomach.Some of the more common signs and symptoms of IBS-C include: While all types of IBS can cause changes in bowel movements along with abdominal pain, there are more distinct symptoms if you have IBS-C.
IBS with mixed bowel habits of diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M).IBS itself is a relatively common digestive disorder that affects an estimated 7 to 21 percent of people in the United States. What are the signs and symptoms of IBS-C?