Types of constipation
Constipation is common
Constipation is something that everyone has likely experienced at one time or another. But for some people, constipation can be more than just an occasional event. Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) are conditions in which one experiences long periods of constipation.
What is CIC?
A condition in which patients experience prolonged periods of constipation without a known cause.
“Chronic” means the constipation is long-lasting or keeps coming back. “Idiopathic” means the cause of constipation is unknown.
People with CIC can experience:
- Less than 3 bowel movements
(BMs) a week - Hard-to-pass BMs
- Bloating
- Straining
- Discomfort
- Not feeling empty after a BM
If you are experiencing any of the above, now may be the time to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and treatment goals.
Chronic
Otherwise known as “long-lasting”
Idiopathic
This means that the cause is unknown
Constipation
Commonly defined as having hard bowel movements fewer than 3 times per week
What is IBS-C?
A condition in which patients experience long periods of constipation accompanied by stomach pain and bloating.
In addition to symptoms of CIC, patients with IBS-C also have stomach pain.
If this describes you, now may be the time to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and treatment goals.
Irritable
This means abnormally sensitive
Bowel
The intestines, responsible for digesting food and getting rid of waste
Syndrome
A condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms
with Constipation
Commonly defined as having hard bowel movements fewer than 3 times per week
