Chronic idiopathic constipation: symptoms, treatment, diet

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a health condition in which people experience chronic symptoms of constipation, but health care providers cannot determine the cause using standard diagnostic tests. Also called chronic idiopathic constipation. functional constipation This is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGD), meaning that although tests do not show any visible physical abnormalities, there is a problem with the functioning of the digestive system (in this case the large intestine). To do.

An estimated 14% of people experience chronic constipation. Women, older adults, and people of lower socio-economic status are at higher risk.

Symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation

The main symptoms of CIC are:

Many people with chronic idiopathic constipation report experiencing the following symptoms in addition to those listed above:

diagnosis

If you have chronic constipation, your health care provider will try to rule out any identifiable causes before determining that your condition is idiopathic.

A physical exam and blood tests will probably be done. Other diagnostic tests may also be ordered depending on your symptoms and medical history.

FGD is diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria. This disorder is called functional constipation. In order to diagnose functional constipation, a thorough examination must show no signs of abnormality.

These criteria aim to quantify the symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation and state that it is necessary to:

• Having bowel movements less than 3 times a week
• Other symptoms occur at least 25% of the time
• Loose stools rarely occur (unless laxatives are used)

CIC vs. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) shares many of the same symptoms as chronic idiopathic constipation. However, by definition, CIC is only diagnosed if the criteria for IBS are met. do not have I met you.

The main difference between the two disorders is that the diagnostic criteria for IBS-C requires a person to have a history of chronic pain with bowel movements. That said, many health care providers will tell patients they have irritable bowel syndrome if they are experiencing chronic constipation with no identifiable cause, regardless of whether bowel movements are painful or not.

Some researchers believe that the two disorders are not so distinct from each other and may just be different points on a spectrum. Many people diagnosed with chronic idiopathic constipation have abdominal pain or discomfort, and many people switch from one diagnosis to another over time.

One important difference may be related to treatment. Patients with IBS-C are more likely to respond to treatments that are effective for analgesia, whereas patients with CIC appear to respond better to treatments that target colon muscle function.

process

There is no specific treatment for CIC, but you and your health care provider can choose from a variety of treatments, including:

• Dietary fiber
• medicines containing laxatives
• biofeedback

Dietary fiber

Your health care provider may recommend increasing your fiber intake because fiber helps soften stools and make them easier to pass.

You can increase your fiber intake through your diet and fiber supplements.

Eating fiber too quickly can lead to symptoms of gas and bloating, but you can avoid this by increasing your intake slowly to give your body time to adapt. You might think that soluble fiber is better tolerated.

medicine

Laxatives reduce constipation in the short term. There are two types of him:

Many laxatives are available over the counter. However, there is little evidence that long-term use of laxatives is beneficial for his CIC.

Prescription medications may provide further symptom relief. Some common ones include:

biofeedback

If your health care provider determines that your chronic idiopathic constipation is caused by incoordination (pelvic floor dysfunction), he or she may recommend that you try biofeedback. This method helps you train yourself to tune into your body’s processes in order to gain some control over them.

This treatment has been shown to help improve the coordination of the pelvic floor muscles involved in the process of defecation.

A word from Berrywell

Chronic idiopathic constipation can be a somewhat disappointing diagnosis. In general, knowing the exact cause of your symptoms provides a more specific path to managing them. Still, CIC patients can rest assured. Speak openly with your health care provider about what you are experiencing and seek additional consultation if your treatment plan is not as effective as expected.