When constant colic, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation cause discomfort and frequent trips to the bathroom, the next step is to visit the doctor. These symptoms commonly are due to irritable bowel syndrome, usually can be minimized by changes in diet and lifestyle.

The Mayo Clinic Health Letter provides an overview of irritable bowel syndrome and how to control this chronic condition.

The walls of the intestine are lined with layers of muscles that contract and relax coordinated rhythm while transporting food through the intestinal tract to the rectum. In irritable bowel syndrome, the contractions may be stronger and have longer than normal, causing bloating and diarrhea. Sometimes the opposite happens, ie, food passes slowly and the result is dry, hard stools.

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unclear and, therefore, treatment usually focuses on avoiding triggers and relieve symptoms. When the condition presented mild signs and symptoms, it is possible to deal with them effectively managing stress, for many people, this makes symptoms worse. On the other hand, it is worth making some dietary changes. Chocolate, milk and alcohol might be a cause of constipation or diarrhea and carbonated drinks or some fruits and vegetables may lead to bloating and abdominal discomfort felt.

When symptoms are mild or severe, your doctor may recommend fiber supplements or antidiarrheal drugs. Some people with diarrhea may benefit from anticholinergic drugs that relieve pain from intestinal spasms, but the same drug may worsen symptoms in people suffering from constipation. Antidepressants, in turn, may be appropriate in low doses by inhibiting the activity of neurons that control intestinal muscles.

The important thing is that the person to seek medical care when chronic intestinal symptoms. Since there are no physical signs that clearly diagnose irritable bowel syndrome, usually the diagnosis is made by elimination. The above symptoms of colic, diarrhea, constipation and intestinal problems could also point to other more serious conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, certain types of inflammatory bowel disease and / or colon cancer