9 Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Although it seems counterintuitive, IBS can cause constipation as well as diarrhea.

Constipation-predominant IBS is estimated to affect around 35% of people with IBS (10).

Altered communication between the brain and bowel may speed up or slow down the normal transit time of stool. When transit time slows, the bowel absorbs more water from stool, and it becomes more difficult to pass (11Trusted Source).

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week (12Trusted Source).

“Functional” constipation describes chronic constipation not explained by another disease. It is not related to IBS and is very common. Functional constipation differs from IBS in that it is generally not painful.

In contrast, constipation in IBS includes abdominal pain that eases with bowel movements.

Constipation in IBS also often causes a sensation of an incomplete bowel movement. This leads to unnecessary straining (13Trusted Source).

Along with the usual treatments for IBS, exercise, drinking more water, eating soluble fiber, taking probiotics, and the limited use of laxatives may help (14Trusted Source).