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Food intolerances explained
continued from page 4
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IgE antibodies are linked with severe food allergies and IgA antibodies are linked with coeliac condition. Researchers now increasingly feel that another type of antibody, IgG, causes food intolerances that might lead to long-term health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common problem to affect the gut. At least one-third of the population are affected at some time during their life, even if only mildly. It usually develops between the ages of 15 and 40 but can come on at any age. As many bowel problems cause similar symptoms initially, IBS is not a diagnosis you should make yourself - always seek medical advice.
IBS is a problem of bowel function and the diagnosis is made on the basis of symptoms alone. For your doctor to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome, you must have had at least 12 weeks, (which need not be consecutive) in the preceding 12 months of abdominal discomfort or pain that has two of the following three features:
The following symptoms also support the diagnosis of IBS:
Typically, motions are small, frequent, pencil-like, or resemble rabbit droppings, but some people experience mainly diarrhoea (symptoms 2, 4 or 6 above) while others experience mainly constipation (symptoms 1, 3 or 5). Some people experience both types of symptom at different times.
If your doctor diagnoses IBS, he or she is likely to recommend painkillers (eg paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine phosphate) or medication that reduces intestinal spasm (eg peppermint oil, alverine citrate, mebeverine). Laxatives and anti-diarrhoeal medication is also used where necessary.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IgE antibodies are linked with severe food allergies and IgA antibodies are linked with coeliac condition. Researchers now increasingly feel that another type of antibody, IgG, causes food intolerances that might lead to long-term health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common problem to affect the gut. At least one-third of the population are affected at some time during their life, even if only mildly. It usually develops between the ages of 15 and 40 but can come on at any age. As many bowel problems cause similar symptoms initially, IBS is not a diagnosis you should make yourself - always seek medical advice.
IBS is a problem of bowel function and the diagnosis is made on the basis of symptoms alone. For your doctor to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome, you must have had at least 12 weeks, (which need not be consecutive) in the preceding 12 months of abdominal discomfort or pain that has two of the following three features:
- Pain is relieved by opening your bowels; and/or
- Its onset is associated with a change in frequency of stools; and/or
- There is a change in form (appearance) of the stools.
The following symptoms also support the diagnosis of IBS:
- Fewer than three bowel movements a week
- More than three bowel movements a day
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Loose (mushy) or watery stools
- Straining during a bowel movement
- Urgency (having to rush to have a bowel movement)
- Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
- Passing mucus (white material) during a bowel movement
- Abdominal fullness, bloating or swelling.
Typically, motions are small, frequent, pencil-like, or resemble rabbit droppings, but some people experience mainly diarrhoea (symptoms 2, 4 or 6 above) while others experience mainly constipation (symptoms 1, 3 or 5). Some people experience both types of symptom at different times.
If your doctor diagnoses IBS, he or she is likely to recommend painkillers (eg paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine phosphate) or medication that reduces intestinal spasm (eg peppermint oil, alverine citrate, mebeverine). Laxatives and anti-diarrhoeal medication is also used where necessary.
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