My mother has IBS-C. Is it linked to slow bowel movements?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother is 58 and has had chronic constipation with abdominal bloating for a couple of years. I am worried about her. Recently, a doctor stated it could be IBS-C because the scans and colonoscopy were normal.

She started with Cremaffin syrup at night, which improves bowel movement the next morning.

Is this kind of laxative safe to take daily for months?

Also, occasionally she passes stool only every 3 to 4 days and feels discomfort before it. Could slow bowel movement be related to IBS-C?

Should we test for other digestive problems also?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your mother may have irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) if she experiences bloating, constipation, and infrequent bowel movements. During examinations such as colonoscopies, patients with IBS-C have a normal-appearing digestive tract. However, their bowels transit stools at a slower pace and respond to air or pressure.

The following symptoms arise from this. IBS-C has slower than typical motility in the colon, which may lead to passage of stool every three to four days. It is common with this illness that many individuals have discomfort before passing stool, and that this lessens after the bowel movement.

The cream that is recommended for your mother is usually a combination of liquid paraffin and magnesium hydroxide. It works by softening the stool and adding water to the colon, making it easier to have a bowel movement the next day.

In many patients, these osmotic laxatives can be employed for longer durations under physician supervision, especially when lifestyle modifications alone are not sufficient. Doctors normally advocate using the lowest dose that works and watching your symptoms.

Lifestyle changes can help improve the regularity of bowel motions along with drugs. These include:

Gradually increasing soluble fibre (example with Psyllium).
Drink plenty of fluids.
Regular exercise.
Keeping to a normal toilet schedule after eating.

The colonoscopy and scans were normal, thus IBS-C seems a realistic diagnosis. Warning indications such as unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, anemia, or severe constipation are usually followed by further testing.

For those with IBS-C, a combination of diet, fluids, activity, and occasional medication may help promote more regular bowel movements and relief from bloating and discomfort.

Hope this helps.

Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any further questions.

Thanks.