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Coping With Constipation Caused By IBS

By: Susan Reynolds Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation is a treatable medical condition. It is characterized by recurring abdominal pain and discomfort, and bloating along with constipation.

IBS with constipation is common to a number of people. Getting accurate information on what causes IBS with constipation may help in improving the condition. It is also recommended to seek medical assistance from doctors who specialize in this type of disorder.

It is not really clear why some people develop IBS with constipation while others do not. IBS with constipation can be caused by a sensitive, slow working gastro-intestinal tract, which causes abdominal pain, bloating and constipation. This was thought to be due to the way the gastrointestinal tract reacts to the changes in serotonin. Serotonin is a natural occurring chemical in the body that plays an important role in making the gastrointestinal tract function normally.

IBS with constipation may also be affected by diet and disease. Most constipation cases are due to insufficient fiber as well as inadequate fluids in the diet. Fibers are important since they help to soften stools, and water or fluids help to flush stools through the body.

Diet is partially to be blamed for the occurrence of constipation especially for people over 65 years old. Constipation occurring in people in this age range is due to medications, poor diet, and lack of water intake, as well as poor muscle tone.

Teenagers or younger people are also at risk of IBS with constipation; in fact, a great number of young people are suffering from irregular bowel movement. They also experience bloating and abdominal pains. Another factor that contributes to IBS constipation is traveling since most people who are traveling tend to suppress the urge to go to the bathroom. There are also some cases where some people just can’t have a bowel movement in bathrooms that are not familiar to them.

There is still no specific cure for IBS with constipation however there are proper treatments for the symptoms that goes with it. Bowel habits may also be stabilized to diminish abdominal cramping as well as lessen the pain associated with bowel movements.

For symptoms that are transient and only happen occasionally, no special treatment may be needed. However, for those who have persistent and chronic symptoms special treatment may be needed. There is no specific therapy that can resolve all symptoms in patients. However, some treatments may prove to be effective in treating symptoms of IBS with constipation.

The first treatment calls for lifestyle changes. This means recognizing and dealing better with stress. Take some time to relax, sleep, and exercise. The diet for IBS entails for eating smaller amounts of food more frequently. This may help in alleviating symptoms of IBS. Eating foods that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates is also beneficial to keeping a healthy intestine.

Fiber in diet is also excellent in controlling IBS with constipation. The dietary fibers are known to add bulk to the stool creating stools that are much larger and much softer making bowel movements easier and less painful.

Medications are applied for patients that have severe and recurrent symptoms of IBS with constipation. Nevertheless, medications like treatments need to be customized to suit various needs of the patient since different patients tend to respond differently with various medications.

Psychotherapy is also applied to some IBS cases since stress sometimes affects bowel movement. Psychotherapy can provide assistance in coping with chronic illness and uncovering emotional triggers that may be present.

If you suspect you are suffering with IBS, you should first consult your primary care physician before taking other steps.