The most common diagnosis given to the people suffering from intestinal problems is Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS. IBS cannot be diagnosed by tests. It is, however diagnosed by a criterion known as Rome II diagnostic criteria. Some doctors meet periodically after some time and establish some rules for intestinal symptoms having no possible diagnostic tests. The symptoms usually have no known cause and are called functional problems. There is no problem that can be seen by x-rays. The diagnosis is carried out just by excluding other diseases of the intestine.

IBS is diagnosed for someone suffering continuously from abdominal pain. The pain is usually relieved with the movement of bowel. If at the beginning of the discomfort the frequency of bowel movements is changed, it may be because of IBS. Also during the same time, there is a change in the stools as well. Some of the other symptoms of IBS include very less bowel movements, lumpy or watery stools, and strain during a bowel motion. There is also a feeling of bloating and swelling. By the help of these symptoms, the doctors decide about the condition of the patient. The conditions are known by whether the stool is predominant as in diarrhea or as in constipation or whether the stool is alternating its pattern of diarrhea and constipation.

However there is no proven fact as to what causes the IBS, Serotonin is a major suspect regarding this. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain and an imbalance in its level is believed to cause IBS. It increases the intestinal contractions. Many measures have been taken to reduce the effects of serotonin.

Apart from serotonin, many other theories have also been proposed. These theories consist of several possible causes of IBS. Food and lactose intolerances are also suspected of causing IBS. Another theory explains an imbalance between good and bad bacteria throughout the intestines. In this case, antibiotics and probiotics are used for curing. While antibiotics kill bacteria, probiotics are good bacteria required by the body.

If you suffer from such problems, it is necessary to consult a doctor. You need to have some tests done for a proper cure. Blood tests, stool tests and colonoscopy are some of the tests you have to undergo. Talk to your physician about the treatment and the diagnosis.