IBS-C

Medical abbreviation · Gastroenterology

IBS-C
Stands forIrritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation
CategoriesMedical

IBS-C stands for Irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation, a gastroenterology abbreviation.

Subtype of IBS in which more than a quarter of bowel movements are hard or lumpy (Bristol stool types 1–2) and fewer than a quarter are loose. Beyond fiber and osmotic laxatives, prescription options include linaclotide, plecanatide, lubiprostone and tenapanor.

Example: IBS-C with prominent bloating; trial of linaclotide 290 mcg daily 30 minutes before breakfast.

Usage notes

The hyphenated subtype labels come from the Rome criteria, and subtyping counts only days with at least one abnormal bowel movement. Separating IBS-C from chronic idiopathic constipation can be difficult: abdominal pain is central to IBS-C, whereas chronic constipation is defined mainly by infrequent or difficult defecation. Many patients move between subtypes over time.

More gastroenterology abbreviations

  • HH – Hiatal hernia
  • HIDA – Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan
  • HNPCC – Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
  • HRS – Hepatorenal syndrome
  • IBD – Inflammatory bowel disease
  • IBS – Irritable bowel syndrome
  • IBS-D – Irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea
  • IPAA – Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis
  • LBO – Large bowel obstruction
  • LES – Lower esophageal sphincter
  • LGIB – Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
  • MASH – Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

See all 85 gastroenterology abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.