( CNN ) -- For millions in the United States , daily activities like going to work or school are accompanied by bothersome gastrointestinal problems , such as abdominal pain or constipation . You may think these symptoms are too embarrassing to discuss with anyone . But trust me , these are common problems , and you your doctor wants to hear about them ! It 's important to be candid with your physician about all your GI symptoms and how frequently they are occurring . You may have a chronic GI disorder such as ulcerative colitis , Crohn 's disease or celiac disease . Or you may have a functional bowel disorder ; two of the most common are irritable bowel syndrome with constipation ( IBS-C ) and chronic idiopathic constipation ( CIC ) . What are IBS-C and CIC ? IBS-C is one of the four major subtypes of IBS , a chronic functional GI disorder that arises from an abnormal functioning of the GI tract , not from structural or biochemical abnormalities . Symptoms of IBS-C include abdominal pain or discomfort , hard and infrequent stools , and incomplete bowel movements . The cause of IBS-C is not known , but it may be related to a number of factors such as hypersensitivity of nerves in the intestines , dysfunction of brain-gut communication , or altered GI tract motility and water imbalance . CIC has similar symptoms , such as hard stools , and infrequent and incomplete bowel movements , but is usually not associated with pain . Although `` idiopathic '' means the cause is unknown , potential factors may include changes in water balance and motility in the colon . Who is affected by the conditions ? Though estimates vary , as many as 13 million adults in the United States may suffer from IBS-C ; 35 million adults may suffer from CIC . How are IBS-C and CIC treated ? The first step in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is to have an open conversation with a physician , telling him or her how you feel . Let the physician know the details of any symptoms you experience , how often and what you 've tried in the past to help alleviate them . There is no cure for IBS-C or CIC , but there are ways to help manage symptoms : . Change your diet . Increasing fiber in your diet may help create softer stools that are easier to pass . Try eating more foods that are high in fiber , including fruits , vegetables , beans and bran flakes . Be careful to add fiber to your diet slowly to reduce the risk of gas and bloating . Avoid fatty foods , alcohol and caffeinated drinks like coffee or soda , which are commonly known to worsen symptoms . In addition , some people with IBS may have intolerances to certain sugars such as fructose or lactose . Limiting intake of foods containing these sugars may be helpful . Drink plenty of water . Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day is important to stay hydrated , which may help pass stools more easily . Increase exercise , reduce stress . Stress and anxiety can trigger symptoms of several GI conditions . Increasing exercise like walking or yoga , and learning relaxation techniques may help you deal with stressful situations . However , be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program . For some , changing diet and lifestyle may not be enough . Physicians may also recommend appropriate treatment options for patients based on the nature and severity of their IBS-C and CIC symptoms . It 's important that patients inform their physician about treatments that have or have not worked for them in the past . Over-the-counter products . OTC treatment options such as laxatives and stool softeners are available and approved to treat occasional constipation . These products are not intended for long-term use without supervision of a physician and are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for IBS-C or CIC treatment . Prescription medication . There are prescription medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of IBS-C and CIC . GI health should be a part of your daily life . I encourage patients to speak to their doctor about their symptoms , sparing none of the nitty-gritty details .
As many as 13 million adults in the United States may suffer from IBS-C. To get a proper diagnosis and treatment , have a conversation with your doctor . Some people with IBS may have intolerances to certain sugars . OTC options such as laxatives and stool softeners are not meant for long-term use .