Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
14:09
In vitro Functional Characterization of Mouse Colorectal Afferent Endings
Published on: January 21, 2015
Irritable bowel-type symptoms in spontaneous and induced constipation
Gut
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Constipation and slow intestinal transit are linked to irritable bowel symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain. Effective laxative treatment significantly reduced these symptoms, suggesting a direct association.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Digestive Health
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Irritable bowel symptoms (IBS) are common and can significantly impact quality of life.
- The relationship between bowel transit time and IBS symptoms requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between slow intestinal transit and the prevalence and severity of irritable bowel symptoms.
- To determine if inducing constipation affects IBS symptom development.
- To assess the impact of laxative treatment on IBS symptoms in constipated individuals.
Main Methods:
- Systematic questioning was used to assess irritable bowel symptoms in 44 constipated volunteers with documented slow intestinal transit.
- IBS symptoms were compared to those in normal volunteers and a larger healthy cohort.
- Constipation was experimentally induced in 12 normal subjects using loperamide.
- The effect of laxative treatment on IBS symptoms was evaluated in 24 constipated subjects.
Main Results:
- Most constipated volunteers (42/44) reported symptoms including mucus passage, rectal dissatisfaction, bloating, and pain relieved by defecation.
- These symptoms were more prevalent in constipated individuals compared to controls.
- Experimentally induced constipation led to the development of IBS symptoms in normal subjects.
- Laxative treatment markedly reduced the prevalence and severity of IBS symptoms in constipated individuals.
Conclusions:
- Slow intestinal transit is strongly associated with the development and severity of irritable bowel symptoms.
- Modulating intestinal transit time, for example through laxative therapy, may be an effective strategy for managing IBS symptoms in constipated patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:26Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders marked by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal immune response against gut microflora. This leads to tissue damage. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is a relapsing inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It involves all layers of the bowel wall (transmural) and shows “skip lesions” in which...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...
01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome
DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...