Constipation and diarrhea are common features of IBS. Some individuals have a consistent pattern of just one or the other, while many go through alternating periods of both symptoms. The investigation and treatment is often of that for IBS. Other causes such as gastroparesis (insufficient nerve signal to the digestive tract) must also be ruled out. In this case treatment centered on procedures that balance autonomic nerve function that regulates digestive activity produces the best outcome.
 
Effective treatment may involve digestive support supplements, dietary changes and other therapies targeted at the cause of IBS. Treatment must be specific to the group of triggers for each individual patient.
 
Like fatigue, there are several causes of digestive symptoms. Solving the problem for each individual involves accurately identifying all of the involved factors and targeting specific corrective treatment. Typical testing looks for pathologies (tumors, etc). The majority of digestive symptoms are “functional” however, and the answer is found in testing function and using treatment to restore it.