If you’ve been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), some treatments can help manage both conditions.

An effective treatment plan should leave you with fewer or no symptoms. If your current treatment plan is not effective, you may need to adjust your treatment plan or find new ways to manage symptoms.

Read on to learn more about possible treatments for IBS-S and CIC, how long treatments may last, and more.

Treatments for IBS-C and CIC are similar because the symptoms are similar. The primary focus is on relieving symptoms. However, treatment for IBS-C is a bit more comprehensive.

Because IBS-C is chronic, treatment plans should be designed to ease symptoms and prevent future issues. You may have to adjust treatment, especially during times of stress and change, but the treatment goal should be the same.

The goal of treatment for CIC is to manage constipation and improve your body’s ability to properly move waste through your intestines. Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent future issues with constipation.

Treatments for IBS-C fall into three main categories: dietary changes, medications and supplements, and lifestyle changes.

Dietary changes

The following dietary changes may help with treating IBS-C:

  • Focus on fiber: Some high fiber foods may help ease constipation, but use them with caution if you have issues with gas and bloating. Introduce them to your diet slowly over the span of a few weeks. Suddenly increasing the amount of fiber you eat could make the situation worse.
  • Eliminate trigger foods: The best way to identify problem foods may be a food journal. Record what you eat, when you eat it, and any symptoms you experience after eating. Then work with your doctor to identify possible trigger foods. It may be helpful to avoid foods such as fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods containing gluten.
  • Consider probiotics: Probiotics are healthy bacteria. They’re present in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but sometimes their level isn’t sufficient enough to maintain proper GI health. Eating foods with good amounts of probiotics may help improve symptoms of IBS. Probiotics are found in foods such as kefir and yogurt. As with fiber, use probiotics with caution if you have issues with gas and bloating. Introduce them to your diet slowly over the span of a few weeks. Suddenly increasing the amount of probiotics in your diet could make gas and bloating worse for a period of time.

Medications and supplements

The following medications and supplements may help manage IBS-C:

  • Consider fiber supplements: High-fiber foods can sometimes make IBS-C symptoms such as bloating and gas worse. Some people may find it easier to take fiber supplements. They give you the extra bulk you need without the other symptoms. Be sure to drink plenty of water each day to reduce possible side effects.
  • Discuss prescription options with your doctor: Prescription medications such as linaclotide (Linzess) increase the amount of fluid your small intestine secretes. With more fluid, your body may be able to pass stool more easily. Currently, this medication is approved for use only in people assigned female at birth aged 18 and older.
  • Be cautious with laxatives:Over-the-counter medications may seem enticing as a quick fix, but they can actually cause you more problems if you use them incorrectly. Before you use laxatives, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. This is especially true if you already take medications for IBS-C.

Lifestyle changes

Not getting enough exercise can contribute to constipation. Increasing your physical activity levels may help.

There may be a link between stress or anxiety and IBS. Finding ways to manage stress or anxiety may help reduce your symptoms and prevent future flares.

Treatment for CIC falls into three main categories: lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.

Lifestyle changes

What you eat can impact how your bowels work.

Fiber adds bulk to your stool, which can make passing a bowel movement easier. Increasing the number of fiber-rich foods in your diet may help, but start slowly. If you eat too many high fiber foods at once, you may experience bloating and stomach pains.

Regular exercise or physical activity may also help manage CIC.

Medications

Several types of laxatives are available over the counter. Some are better than others for people who experience chronic constipation. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation.

Using laxatives too frequently may cause unintended side effects, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and possibly increased constipation.

Prescription medications are available for people with CIC. Each one works a little differently, so talk with your doctor about your primary concerns or symptoms.

Lubiprostone (Amitizia) is available for females aged 18 or older who experience chronic constipation. It draws water into your intestines, which can improve how well bowel movements pass.

A second medication, linaclotide (Linzess), also draws water into your intestines to speed up stool movement.

Surgery

If the constipation you’re experiencing is the result of a blockage in your GI tract, surgery may be an option.

Anal fissures or strictures may prevent bowel movements from passing through your GI tract. That can lead to constipation, which can cause additional symptoms of GI distress.

As a last resort, your doctor may suggest removing a part of your colon.

The most effective treatment for IBS-C and CIC will differ for each person. Your first line of treatment may not be effective, and changes to your treatment plan will be necessary.

For many people, a holistic approach may help. This allows you to make meaningful lifestyle changes that can ease symptoms, and you can use medication or other traditional treatments as prescribed by your doctor.

For example, you may find success with increased physical activity, diet changes, including eating more probiotics, while also taking medications during IBS flares.

Now that you know about the wide variety of treatment options for both IBS-C and CIC, consider talking with your doctor about the ones you want to try.

IBS-C is chronic. After diagnosis, you’ll likely require treatment for the remainder of your life. An effective treatment plan eases symptoms, reduces the likelihood of flares, and helps you regain a sense of control over your day-to-day life.

CIC is also a chronic condition. Treatment may only be necessary when you’re experiencing constipation or difficulty having a bowel movement.

It’s possible to treat IBS-C and CIC with dietary and lifestyle changes and medication. For CIC, surgery may also help.

Treatments for IBS-C can include consuming more fiber, avoiding trigger foods, taking probiotics, and using laxatives.

Treatments that may help CIC include consuming more fiber-rich foods, taking laxatives and prescription medications, and, in rare cases, surgery.

Talk with your doctor about your treatment plan for IBS-C and CIC. They can help assess whether your current treatment is working and advise on any changes they may recommend to help you better manage your symptoms.