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10 min read
What exactly is IBS ?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder affecting the intestine. IBS involves problems with motility (movement of digested food through the intestines) and sensitivity (how the brain interprets signals from the intestinal nerves), leading to abdominal pain, changes in bowel patterns and other symptoms.
There are different types of IBS which are worth noting:
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IBS-C: with predominant constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation is a condition that can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected. Constipation occurs when digested food moves slowly through the digestive tract and as a result, stools become hard, dry, and difficult to pass.
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IBS-D: with predominant diarrhea
Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea has diarrhea as the primary symptom. People with IBS-D experience frequent abdominal pain and watery bowel movements, and, on occasion, loss of bowel control.
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IBS-M: IBS Mixed
Irritable bowel syndrome with mixed bowel habits is just as the name suggests, neither diarrhea nor constipation is the predominant symptom. People with IBS-M experience both the symptoms of IBS-D and IBS-C.
What are the common symptoms of IBS ?
Everyone who suffers from IBS will experience it differently. In general, symptoms include:
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CONSTIPATION AND DIARRHEA
Some people will usually get one or the other, but in some cases, people may have bouts of both.
BLOATING
Sometimes the stomach will bloat and swell up. Passing a bowel movement can partially relieve the pressure.
ABDOMINAL CRAMPS
These are caused by spasms in the digestive tract that can result in sharp pains in your gut.
EXCESS GAS
Many people with IBS feel gassy, with even small amounts of gas causing pain.
Tips and tricks to get relief
IBS is a chronic condition, but that doesn’t mean that your symptoms have to go untreated.
Seek help from your healthcare professional
If you are suffering from constipation and you have IBS, please seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
DulcoLax® family of products
Occasional constipation is a common condition with a wide range of possible causes. We know how unpredictable and frustrating constipation can be, so we are here to help identify the possible causes and teach you how to address them.
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DulcoLax® Liquid
DulcoLax® Liquid provides gentle and fast relief of occasional constipation by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools for easy evacuation. When you need gentle and fast relief in as little as 30 minutes*, reach for DulcoLax® Liquid.
* relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours
DulcoLax® Soft Chews Kids
DulcoLax® Soft Chews Kids help kids* to get fast and gentle constipation relief, so they can get back doing the things they love. This great-tasting chew works in as little as 30 minutes*, so parents can help their child with occasional constipation episodes. This laxative works by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools so kids can go comfortably.
*suitable for kids 4 to under 11
** relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours.
DulcoLax® Soft Chews
DulcoLax® Soft Chews provides gentle and fast relief of occasional constipation by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools for easy evacuation. When you need gentle and fast relief in as little as 30 minutes*, reach for DulcoLax®Soft Chews.
* relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours
DulcoLax® Suppositories
DulcoLax® Suppositories are suitable for dependable, fast, and effective relief of occasional constipation. DulcoLax®Suppositories stimulate the bowel muscles while also accumulating water in the intestines. The effect is to soften the stool to make it pass through quickly.
DulcoLax® For Women
DulcoLax® for Women are suitable for dependable and gentle overnight relief of occasional constipation.
DulcoLax® Tablets
DulcoLax® Tablets are suitable for dependable and effective overnight relief of occasional constipation.
-
DulcoLax® Liquid
DulcoLax® Liquid provides gentle and fast relief of occasional constipation by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools for easy evacuation. When you need gentle and fast relief in as little as 30 minutes*, reach for DulcoLax® Liquid.
* relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours
DulcoLax® Soft Chews Kids
DulcoLax® Soft Chews Kids help kids* to get fast and gentle constipation relief, so they can get back doing the things they love. This great-tasting chew works in as little as 30 minutes*, so parents can help their child with occasional constipation episodes. This laxative works by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools so kids can go comfortably.
*suitable for kids 4 to under 11
** relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours.
DulcoLax® Soft Chews
DulcoLax® Soft Chews provides gentle and fast relief of occasional constipation by increasing water in the bowels to soften stools for easy evacuation. When you need gentle and fast relief in as little as 30 minutes*, reach for DulcoLax®Soft Chews.
* relief in 30 minutes to 6 hours
DulcoLax® Suppositories
DulcoLax® Suppositories are suitable for dependable, fast, and effective relief of occasional constipation. DulcoLax®Suppositories stimulate the bowel muscles while also accumulating water in the intestines. The effect is to soften the stool to make it pass through quickly.
-
DulcoLax® For Women
DulcoLax® for Women are suitable for dependable and gentle overnight relief of occasional constipation.
DulcoLax® Tablets
DulcoLax® Tablets are suitable for dependable and effective overnight relief of occasional constipation.
Stay informed
Occasional constipation is a common condition with a wide range of possible causes. We know how unpredictable and frustrating constipation can be, so we are here to help identify the possible causes and teach you how to address them.
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What are daily habits that can cause occasional constipation ?
Everything is connected and we mean this literally: our body, mind and habits can greatly affect our digestive health. Your daily habits, from the foods you eat to your daily activity level and sleep schedule can affect your bowel movements and the result may be that you get constipated. Fear not, making simple changes to your lifestyle habits can be a helpful first step in preventing occasional constipation.
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How to avoid occasional constipation while traveling ?
It is common for constipation to occur when your life or daily routine changes. Traveling can sometimes trigger changes to your digestive system and as a result your bowel movements. Adapting to new circadian rhythms, new foods and new environments can trigger occasional constipation. Jet lag can also disrupt travelers for several days.
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How is constipation related to stress ?
Healthy mind, healthy body – isn’t that what they say ? The brain-gut connection is real: our digestive system is highly impacted by our mind and our stress levels. Whether you’re experiencing stress at work, at home, or in your daily life, it can all impact your bowel movements and lead to occasional constipation.
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How can getting older cause constipation ?
About one-third of adults 60 years or older report suffering from constipation. Unfortunately, with age sometimes comes slower digestion. The bowel muscles in the digestive tract need a bit more time to move food and stool through the intestines. The resulting constipation is a commonly reported bowel symptom in the elderly and has a considerable impact on quality of life. It is important to understand how age can change your body and how to adapt to help yourself feel better.
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Occasional constipation during pregnancy
During pregnancy, there is a lot going on, to say the least. The new hormone levels can trigger many changes in the body. Pregnant women frequently suffer from difficult and infrequent bowel movements, hard and dry stools, and discomfort.
- National Institute of Health. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. November 2017. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Statistics. Available at: https://cdhf.ca/digestive-disorders/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/statistics/
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. What is Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ? Available at: https://cdhf.ca/digestive-disorders/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/what-is-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Constipation in Canada A Special Report from the CDHF. February 2014