Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including:

• Medications
• Poor bowel habits
• Low fiber diets
• Abuse of laxatives
• Hormonal disorders and
• Diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon

IBS-D or irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea refers to IBS with diarrhea. Symptoms of IBS-D include

• intestinal gas (flatulence),
• loose stools,
• frequent stools,
• abdominal pain,
• diarrhea, and
• nausea.

New non-FDA approved IBS tests may help diagnose IBS and IBS-D. Treatment of IBS-D is geared to toward managing symptoms with diet, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a GI (gastrointestinal) disorder with signs and symptoms of:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Increased gas (flatulence)
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Food intolerance

Two new tests are now available that may help diagnose irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M) and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Treatment for IBS includes diet changes, medications, and other lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.