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Is Constipation IBS?

The simple answer to this question is that it might be. Constipation by itself with no other symptoms present is more likely to be the result of a sluggish digestive system caused by a poor diet, a lack of exercise, excess weight, insufficient fluid intake or a combination of all of these and more often than not, taking steps to rectify these will remove the constipation and get your body and your bowels functioning properly again.

Constipation as a result of IBS on the other hand, is not quite so straightforward as far as any treatment plan goes as it all depends on the underlying cause of the IBS and as yet, no single cause has been identified. Someone is diagnosed with IBS when they have symptoms such as abdominal pain accompanied by constipation, diarrhoea or alternating constipation and diarrhoea and when no other cause of the symptoms can be found. Treatment therefore involves a trial and error process of finding out what works and what doesn’t.

Other symptoms associated with IBS include mucous in the stools, particularly if you have diarrhoea predominant IBS, flatulence, a feeling of incomplete evacuation after performing a bowel movement, heartburn, nausea, dizziness, mild depression and anxiety. However, not everyone with IBS will experience all of these symptoms and these symptoms are not necessarily a result of IBS.

Constipation along with symptoms such as blood in the stools, bleeding from the rectum or severe abdominal pain or an abdominal mass are not associated with IBS and require specialist help and treatment so you should consult your doctor for advice.

Dealing with constipation effectively means getting an accurate diagnosis first and the only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to see your doctor for a full evaluation of all your symptoms. If you are diagnosed with IBS and constipation is the bane of your life then there are a number of ways you can tackle it.

Diet and Constipation

Regardless of the cause of the constipation, the first thing to look at would be diet. Making sure that there is enough fibre in the diet, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, wholemeal breads and cereals and drinking plenty of water, at least one and a half to two litres a day, can make quite a significant difference to your bowel movements and your health whether you have IBS or not.

Exercise and Constipation

Making sure you get enough exercise is important not only for health in general but also to ensure that the bodily processes and functions operate efficiently and this includes bowel movements.

Even a brisk walk for half an hour several times a week will go a long way to getting those bowels moving but whatever form of exercise you choose, try to keep it up and do it regularly to keep your digestive system healthy.

If all else fails

Finally, if you have modified your diet, are taking regular exercise and yet the constipation persists, a short term solution would be to use some mild laxatives or stool softeners. There are a number of over the counter preparations that you can try as well as prescription only drugs. In the first instance it is best to speak to your doctor who will be able to advise you on the best course of action for you.