Constipation
Constipation is the term for difficulty initiating bowel movements. People who are constipated typically stool less than thrice a week and may have hard lumpy stools and a feeling of not completely emptying their bowels. Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome is the most common type of irritable bowel syndrome, accounting for almost 50 percent [7] of all cases.
Like diarrhea, constipation is caused by a disruption in communication between the brain and the gut muscles. The same way an altered gut rhythm can accelerate bowel movements and cause diarrhea is the same way it can also slow bowel movements and result in constipation. This allows more water to be absorbed from the stool as it passes through the gut. It makes the stool difficult to pass.
Several factors cause constipation. Most are not related to irritable bowel syndrome. Constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome often features abdominal pain that is relieved by a bowel movement. Lifestyle changes like dietary modifications and drinking plenty of water may help improve this symptom.