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Uncomfortable Symptoms of IBS-C: Understanding the Causes and Finding Relief

Are you tired of feeling like your gut is playing tricks on you? Do you experience persistent discomfort, bloating, and abdominal pain, despite taking good care of your digestive health? You may be struggling with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C), a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

What is IBS-C?

IBS-C is a subtype of IBS, characterized by constipation as the primary symptom. In addition to the discomfort of being backed up, IBS-C can also cause gas, bloating, and abdominal pain, significantly impacting your quality of life.

The Prevalence of IBS-C

According to global statistics, approximately 18% of people suffer from some form of IBS. IBS-C is one of the four subcategories of IBS, along with IBS-D (diarrhea), IBS-M (mixed), and IBS-U (undefined). Most people with IBS, up to 96%, experience bloating, with those suffering from IBS-C tend to feel more abdominal pain and bloating than those with IBS-D.

Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Distension

Bloating is a feeling of gassiness and pressure, often accompanied by distension, which involves swelling and expansion of the belly. In a 2016 survey, bloating was reported as the most common symptom of IBS-C, affecting 80% of participants, followed by excessive gas, abdominal discomfort, and abdominal pain.

Causes of Bloating, Gas, and Pain

The causes of these IBS-C symptoms can vary from person to person. However, some potential culprits include:

• Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An increase in bacteria growth in the small intestine, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.
• Gut Microbiome: Changes in the gut microbiome may contribute to bloating or abdominal discomfort.
• Motility Issues: Slowed or impaired muscle contractions in the digestive tract can lead to feeling bloated or uncomfortable.
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Miscoordination and miscommunication between muscles and nerves in the pelvis can cause issues with bowel emptying, leading to bloating and discomfort.
• Abdominophrenic Dyssynergia (APD): A condition where the diaphragm contracts and descends, causing distension.
• Visceral Hypersensitivity (VH): Pain in visceral organs during normal functions, such as digestion, which may contribute to bloating.

Preventing Symptoms

While everyone’s experience with IBS-C is unique, some methods may help alleviate symptoms:

• Probiotics: May help if symptoms are related to changes in the gut microbiome.
• Diaphragmatic Breathing: Practicing diaphragmatic breathing after eating may help if you have APD.
• Laxatives: May help with motility issues, but consult with your doctor about the type and proper use.
• Dietary Changes: Eliminating artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and trying a low-FODMAP diet or gluten-elimination diet may help.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your bloating, abdominal pain, or gas symptoms are chronic and impacting your quality of life, or if you’ve tried preventive options without success, it’s time to see a doctor. Your doctor may perform exams, lab tests, or imaging tests to determine the underlying cause and prescribe medication or recommend further treatment.

Other Potential Causes of Pain and Bloating

While IBS-C is a common cause of abdominal pain and bloating, other conditions can also cause these symptoms, including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), inflammatory bowel disease, ovarian cancer, and various types of tumors and cancers. It’s essential to consult with your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.