Search
Close this search box.

Constipation Symptoms: Survey Results

In 2002 we contacted a random sample from our IFFGD database of U.S. adults diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and conducted telephone interviews. A total of 350 respondents who reported having an IBS diagnosis participated. While we recognize the results of the survey may not be generalizable to persons with IBS who have milder symptoms, nevertheless, the information from the respondents speaks for itself in communicating the tremendous burden IBS can impose upon a large proportion of sufferers.

Survey Findings

Among respondents who suffer from constipation, straining when having a bowel movement and hard or lumpy stools were the symptoms most often reported.

Constipation-specific symptoms were varied and frequent. Approximately one-quarter of constipation sufferers reported abdominal pain, straining, infrequent stools, bloating and/or gas when asked about their most bothersome symptoms.

survey constipation

Episodes of gas, bloating and abdominal pain were each described by constipation sufferers as occurring with an average frequency of over 200 times a year.

Read Summary Findings Report

Share this page
Topics of this article
Was this article helpful?

IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization. Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal disorders.

Our original content is authored specifically for IFFGD readers, in response to your questions and concerns.

If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting IFFGD with a small tax-deductible donation.

Related Information
Treatment of Constipation

Treatment help – Treatment of chronic constipation is best managed by first determining the underlying cause. While there may be several contributing factors, the 3

Read More »
Personal Stories
Treatment of Constipation

Treatment help – Treatment of chronic constipation is best managed by first determining the underlying cause. While there may be several contributing factors, the 3

Read More »
Skip to content