Occasional Ibs
- Signs & Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Resources & Support
The difference between occasional digestive issues and IBS is that, with IBS, discomfort and bowel troubles are common and go on for months. Constipation Relief. When you're constipated, getting relief is usually top of mind. For occasional constipation, taking a laxative or stool softener can be quite effective. In addition, it's often beneficial to determine the cause of your occasional constipation, as this may help prevent episodes in the futu. These criteria include abdominal pain and discomfort lasting on average at least one day a week in the last three months, associated with at least two of these factors: Pain and discomfort are related to defecation, the frequency of defecation is altered, or stool consistency is altered. SEE IF IT COULD BE MORE THAN OCCASIONAL CONSTIPATION. LINZESS ® (linaclotide) is a prescription medication used in adults to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‑C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). 'Idiopathic' means the cause of the constipation is unknown. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a GI disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Learn about treatment, diet, and symptoms.
TreatmentGastroenterologyAlthough there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), there are many options available for treating and eliminating its symptoms.
Because stress and feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry or overwhelmed can stimulate intestinal spasms in people with IBS, your doctor may suggest relaxation techniques, such as yoga, exercise and meditation. Tranquilizers and anti-depressants also may relieve symptoms. In addition, a healthy diet that includes lots of water, fiber and small meals may reduce flare-ups.
Fiber supplements or occasional laxatives may help with constipation, while medicines to decrease diarrhea and control intestinal muscle spasms may help reduce abdominal pain.
Medications available to treat IBS specifically include the following:
- Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex) can be used for women with severe IBS who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea. However, even in these patients, it should be used with caution because it can have serious side effects, such as severe constipation or decreased blood flow to the colon.
- Tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm) is typically given on a short-term basis to women with IBS whose primary symptom is constipation.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OCCASIONAL & CHRONIC CONSTIPATION
Sudden or short periods of difficult, infrequent, or incomplete bowel movements may be occasional constipation. Constipation symptoms that keep coming back or seem to last for a long time—more than 3 months—could indicate a medical condition known as chronic constipation.
WHAT COULD SMALL, HARD STOOLS MEAN?
The Bristol Stool Form Scale makes it easier to understand and talk about stools. The scale helps assess how long stools have been in the bowel by assigning them a number based on their size, shape, and consistency.
Type 1 stools have spent the most time in the bowel; type 7 have spent the least. Stools resembling types 1-2 may indicate constipation, types 3-5 are typically considered normal bowel movements, and types 6-7 could mean diarrhea.
Modified from original version. © 2000 Rome Foundation. Used with permission.
YOUR CONSTIPATION COULD BE CHRONIC, NOT OCCASIONAL
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) and Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) are types of chronic constipation. “Idiopathic” means the cause is unknown.
SYMPTOMSOF IBS-C
CONSTIPATION
- Lumpy or hard stools
- Incomplete bowel movements
- Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
ABDOMINAL SYMPTOMS
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Discomfort
- Bloating
SYMPTOMSOF CIC
Occasional Ibs
CONSTIPATION
What Is Occasional Insomnia
- Lumpy or hard stools
- Incomplete bowel movements
- Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
LINZESS IS FOR ADULTS WITH IBS-C OR CIC
Ibs Occasional Blood In Stool
LINZESS is a prescription treatment that helps relieve belly pain as well as overall abdominal symptoms, and lets you have more frequent and complete bowel movements that are easier to pass.
“LINZESS is a
once-daily capsule that helps adults proactively manage their symptoms.”
Occasional Insurance
Doctor. Susan Lucak,
Gastroenterologist