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April 08, 2020
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CIC may negatively impact lifestyle for women on a daily basis

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Lin Chang headshot
Lin Chang

There are approximately 35 million adults with chronic idiopathic constipation in the United States. According to a national survey, titled Current Insights about Constipation, the lives of individuals diagnosed with CIC are negatively impacted by the condition.

The survey was conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of Shire, now part of Takeda, between April 16 and June 6, 2018 and included 250 U.S. gastroenterologists who saw 15 or more patients in the previous month with CIC and 881 adults diagnosed with CIC who sought treatment. The survey comprised approximately equal numbers of women and men with CIC; however, women are diagnosed with the condition almost twice as much as men.

Lin Chang, MD, gastroenterologist in the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases at University of California, Los Angeles, told Healio Gastroenterology and Liver Disease that 75% of women do not feel well because of their CIC and although almost half of them use OTC and prescription medication, many are still trying to find a treatment that works well for them.

CIC impacts daily life for women

“About 87% of female patients feel that CIC symptoms are something that they have to live with even though they sought treatment,” she said. “This shows how much constipation can permeate their life on a day to day basis.”

The survey results showed that even after seeking treatment around 75% of individuals with CIC may spend approximately 1 hour or longer on the toilet per day. Most individuals say they have to put their life on pause due to the condition and avoid things like traveling, switching jobs, socializing, volunteering and physical fitness. People with CIC report missing 7 days of work, five social events and four events with kids within the past year, according to the survey findings.

Further, CIC may negatively impact an individual’s self-confidence, their ability to engage in hobbies and romantic relationships.

“There are some patients who need to move their bowels regularly and when they don’t, they can feel abdominal discomfort, bloating, and their abdomen can get distended,” Chang said. “Some patients say they look 6 months pregnant. They will be uncomfortable; it is difficult for them to go to work. It can impact their activities. They won’t go to social events. It can affect how they feel every day. It’s very telling that some patients wake up and the first thing they think about is their abdominal symptoms, and if they are going to have a bowel movement or not. Its’s amazing how much constipation can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life.”

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Symptoms different among patients

Chang said there are many symptoms of CIC; however, constipation can mean different things to different people. It may mean individuals have less frequent bowel movements or that they have harder stools or strain with bowel movements. There are a number of over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications to treat CIC. Treatment options include dietary recommendations, laxatives and prescription medicine that health care providers can prescribe to move stool through the colon and improve CIC symptoms.

“It’s important that patients are aware that CIC is comprised of a broad range of symptoms,” she said. “They should also know there are over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications to treat CIC. Patients might not be aware of all of their options. They can always talk to their health care providers to learn more.”

At least 95% of GIs believe treating the root cause of CIC may require increasing colonic motility and this goes beyond only changing lifestyle and adding water, according to the survey. About 84% said they wish there was a treatment that addressed both lower and upper GI symptoms.

“A substantial number of individuals with constipation don’t seek health care,” Chang said. “They search for information on the internet and try over the counter remedies. If they don’t feel that their treatment effectively manages their symptoms, they should speak to their doctor to find a treatment approach that works for them.” – by Monica Jaramillo

 

Disclosure: Chang reports she worked with Takeda to provide information on the CIC survey.

 

References:

https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8374951-national-cic-chronic-idiopathic-constipation-survey/

https://www.takeda.com/newsroom/featured-topics/empowering-women-with-chronic-idiopathic-constipation-to-take-control-of-their-condition/

www.TheColonMoves.com