Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a functional disorder of the colon also known as the large intestine. IBS can cause diarrhea or constipation, or may cause both at different times. With IBS, the colon does not function normally although there is no structural abnormality. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports as many as 20 percent of Americans have IBS symptoms.
Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
Abdominal pain or discomfort is the symptom that distinguishes IBS from other functional colon disorders. You may have cramping pain in the lower abdomen, which is relieved by having a bowel movement. Alternatively, you may experience abdominal discomfort without pain. Uncomfortable fullness is a common form of discomfort with IBS with constipation.
Bloating and Abdominal Distention
IBS with constipation commonly causes abdominal bloating and distension. You may find your clothing fits more tightly around your abdomen than it normally would. Feeling your abdomen is abnormally full and gassy is also common. You may find you pass more gas than is typical for you.
Decreased Frequency of Bowel Movements
There is normal variability in the frequency of bowel movements people have. In general, having fewer than three bowel movements per week is consistent with constipation. Decreased frequency of bowel movements coupled with abdominal pain or discomfort is a hallmark characteristic of IBS with constipation.
Difficulty Passing Stool
IBS with constipation typically causes difficulty with passing stool. You may find you need to strain or bear down to have a bowel movement. Feeling the stool is stuck in the colon is a common symptom.
Incomplete Bowel Movements
People with IBS with constipation may experience the sensation of incomplete bowel movements--passing some stool but feeling there is more that needs to pass.
Unsuccessful Attempts to Have a Bowel Movement
If you have IBS with constipation, you may need to make repeated attempts to have a bowel movement before finally passing stool. You may find yourself going to the bathroom frequently feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, but nothing passes when you attempt to go.
Bowel Movement Urgency or Persistence
IBS with constipation may cause you to experience an unusually urgent feeling that you need to have a bowel movement. If you are able to pass only a small amount of stool, you may find the feeling of needing to have a bowel movement persists rather than being relieved as it normally would be.
Abnormal Stool Consistency
IBS with constipation typically changes the consistency of your stool. It is likely to be abnormally firm and lumpy; the form is usually different from when you are not having symptoms. You may notice mucous in your stool--a slippery, whitish material coating or embedded in the stool.
References
- American College of Gastroenterology: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Rome Criteria: Functional Bowel Disorders
- International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: IBS with Constipation
- Medline Plus: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
