WHAT IS IBS-C

SYMPTOMS & POSSIBLE CAUSES OF IBS-C

WHAT IS IBS-C

SYMPTOMS & POSSIBLE CAUSES OF IBS-C

IBS-C IS A CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITION

If you’re suffering from constipation with abdominal (belly) symptoms that return again and again, you may have a type of chronic constipation called Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF IBS-C?

IBS-C patients typically experience constipation with abdominal (belly) symptoms.

CONSTIPATION

Stool icon: An icon representing a symptom of constipation: small, lump-like stools.

Lumpy or
hard stools

Few BM icon: A blank monthly calendar with three days marked by 'X's' to represent fewer than three bowel movements in one week.

Fewer than 3 bowel
movements a week

Incomplete BM icon: Icon of a person’s feet turned inward, underwear hanging at the ankles, as they experience an incomplete bowel movement.

Incomplete
bowel movements

ABDOMINAL SYMPTOMS

Belly pain icon: Icon of a stomach twisted like a towel to represent belly pain due to IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation).

Abdominal
(belly) pain

Discomfort icon: Icon of hands holding exposed stomach due to abdominal discomfort.

Discomfort

Bloating icon: Icon of an exposed stomach with a balloon over the belly to represent bloating.

Bloating

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.

Answer 5 quick questions to learn more about symptoms of IBS-C and how LINZESS may help. Check my symptoms.

Type 1 stool icon: Bristol Stool Form Scale type 1 stools resemble small, hard lumps.

Small, hard lumps

Type 2 stool icon: Bristol Stool Form Scale type 2 stools appear log-like but lumpy.

Log-like but lumpy

Type 3 stool icon: Bristol Stool Form Scale type 3 stools appear log-like with surface cracks.

Log-like with surface cracks

Type 4 stool icon: Bristol Stool Form Scale type 4 stools appear smooth and snake-like.

Smooth & snake-like

Type 5 stool icon: Bristol Stool Form Scale type 5 stools resemble soft blobs with clear-cut edges.

Soft blobs with clear-cut edges

Type 6 stool icon: Bristol Stool Form Scale type 6 stools appear fluffy with ragged edges.

Fluffy with ragged edges

Type 7 stool icon: Bristol Stool Form Scale type 7 stools appear watery with no solid pieces.

Watery, no solid pieces

Constipation

Normal

Diarrhea

Modified from original version. © 2000 Rome Foundation. Used with permission.

WHAT CAUSES IBS-C?

The cause of IBS-C is unknown, but researchers believe several factors may contribute to the condition.

Fluid absorption icon:An icon of pipe-shaped intestines with a blockage and water droplets slipping past to represent fluid absorption.

FLUID ABSORPTION

The colon may be absorbing too much fluid from stools, or the muscles in the colon may be moving too slowly. This can cause stools to become dry, hard, and difficult to pass.

Nerve sensitivity icon: An icon of three lightning bolts striking to represent nerve sensitivity in the intestines.

NERVE SENSITIVITY

The nerves in the intestines may be extra sensitive, causing sufferers to feel more belly pain or discomfort than those who do not have IBS-C.

Brain-bowel connection icon: An icon of the profile of a human brain to represent the brain-bowel connection.

BRAIN-BOWEL CONNECTION

There could be a miscommunication between the brain and the bowel (gut) that causes a change in bowel movements.

WHILE ESTIMATES VARY, AS MANY AS 11.5 MILLION ADULTS IN THE U.S. MAY HAVE IBS-C*

*Estimated IBS-C/CIC sufferers within the U.S. through Kantar LINZESS Tracking Study; Jan-Dec 2020; general population sample only.

IBS-C infographic: Infographic of the continental U.S. depicting number of IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation) cases in the country.

OVER 3 MILLION PATIENTS HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED LINZESS**

LINZESS is a once-daily prescription treatment for adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) or Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). It helps you have more frequent and complete bowel movements and helps relieve belly pain and overall abdominal symptoms† (pain, discomfort, and bloating) associated with IBS-C.

**IQVIA Total Patient Tracker – June 2020
†Abdominal symptoms were studied in combination, not individually.

Transcript

“Within about a week I noticed I was having more frequent bowel movements.”

Elaine, 61

Prescribed LINZESS for IBS-C

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HOW LINZESS
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