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. These people may experience Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C).

What is CIC?

Prolonged periods of constipation without a known cause could be a condition called Chronic Idiopathic Constipation, or CIC.

cic-people

1 in 7 U.S. adults have CIC

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

TREATING CIC

What is IBS-C?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation, or IBS-C, is a condition where one experiences long periods of constipation accompanied by abdominal pain.

ibsc-people

1 in 20 U.S. adults have IBS-C

In addition to symptoms of CIC, patients with IBS-C also have abdominal 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

TREATING IBS-C