Irritable bowel syndrome is there a role of food allergy and intolerance

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition without a known cure at present, and the main aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and help patients manage their condition better. Patients tend to have multiple consultations, and may also present with other physical conditions including coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, food allergy, mast cells disorders and even chronic spontaneous urticaria and angioedema or with non-specific symptoms such as reduced quality of life and anxiety.

The initial consultation with allergy and immunology consultant can provide supportive approach can promote trust and help improve patients’ quality of life by excluding above mentioned disorders as well as constitution
Symptoms of IBS

The main symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, and a change in bowel habit. The NICE guidelines recommend assessment for IBS in patients with symptom duration greater than six months, although in private practice a people come to see consultant gastroenterologist or allergy specialist significantly earlier.

Some data suggest that bloating is more frequent and severe in patients who have IBS with constipation and, furthermore, the degree of distension in this category of patients may correlate with delayed transit.

Bloating, with or without distension, is a troublesome symptom as well as abdominal pain can also occur in other conditions. In IBS the underlying pathophysiology remains unclear. Literature describes combination of several factors, including impaired tolerance and transit of gas. Other studies have also suggested sensory motor dysfunction with impaired motility as well as low thresholds for pain, first sensation, and urge to defaecate, indicating an important role for visceral hypersensitivity.