Despite the fact that IBS is the most common
gastro-intestinal disorder seen by gastroenterologists
today, very little is actually known about what causes it.
Recently, however, researchers at Rush university in
Chicago discovered that a significant number of people with
allergic or atopic conditions such as rhinitis, asthma and
eczema also have symptoms of IBS and found a clear link
between IBS and allergies. This of course could have
implications in the future regarding possible treatment
options for IBS.
The study
The Chicago study led by Dr Mary C. Tobin and her
colleagues involving 125 adults found that the prevalence
of IBS was higher in those with seasonal rhinitis (2.67
times) and atopic eczema (3.85 times) and 12 out of 41 of
the patients had both asthma and IBS. Tobin et al found a
clear link between Atopy and IBS in this study and
concluded that people in this sub group of IBS, or those
who have atopic IBS should be differentiated from those
with non-atopic IBS due to the fact that they could have
"distinct pathophysiologic features that could benefit from
specific therapeutic interventions". This means that those
with atopic IBS could perhaps find more relief by having
treatment plans formulated that take into consideration
other factors related to their allergies as well as their
IBS symptoms.
What is IBS?
IBS is not a disease and is better described as a
collection of symptoms which include abdominal pain and
bloating along with abnormal bowel movements resulting in
diarrhoea, constipation or both. Other symptoms can include
excessive flatulence (wind), mucous in the stools, a sense
of urgency and straining whilst trying to perform a bowel
movement. What makes IBS difficult to treat is that no two
people will present with exactly the same symptoms or
degree of severity, making any effective treatment plan for
IBS quite complex and more a process of trying various
options to see what works.
Also, rather than there being one single identifiable cause
of irritable bowel syndrome; it would appear instead that
many factors are involved which can include the likes of
food intolerances, bacterial overgrowth, enzyme
deficiencies, lifestyle and stress. Although stress itself
doesn't cause IBS it can make the symptoms of IBS much
worse. What is known about IBS is that there is no cure and
no single treatment plan that is suitable for all IBS
sufferers.
Approximately 20% or 1 in 5 of the UK population suffers
from IBS although this figure could be higher. In the past
there were some difficulties associated with diagnosing IBS
as up until very recently, IBS was only diagnosed when all
other possible conditions had been ruled out, which takes
time. Also, many people, particularly those with milder
symptoms, may not seek help for their symptoms so are
likely go undiagnosed.
Many previous studies have shown that exposure to certain
allergens can produce symptoms of IBS in some people but
if, as this latest study suggests, there is a clear link
between IBS symptoms and atopic allergies, then this could
open the door for new ways of treating at least some groups
of people with IBS.
What is meant by Atopic IBS?
Atopy is a term used to describe conditions that arise as a
result of an allergic reaction such as asthma, atopic
eczema, atopic dermatitis and hay fever, so people with
atopic IBS are those with symptoms of IBS who also have one
or more co-existent allergic conditions. It is believed
that around 15% of the population suffer from atopic
conditions.
Why is there a link Between IBS and Allergies?
No one really knows why although it is thought that mast
cells in the gut may be activated by allergens and set off
the symptoms of IBS. Many people have found that by
eliminating food that triggers their IBS they can obtain a
significant amount of relief. Also, some people when
taking antihistamines to treat their allergic conditions
have also found that their IBS symptoms ease off at the
same time.
Currently, treatment for IBS involves finding ways of
dealing with the symptoms, which basically means diet and
lifestyle changes along with anti-diarrhoeal agents for
diarrhoea, laxatives for constipation, painkillers for pain
and even low dose antidepressants to promote normal bowel
movements. Non-drug treatments for IBS include probiotics,
herbal remedies and various supplements and digestive aids.
The identification of a link between allergies and IBS
could perhaps pave the way for more effective forms of
treatment for IBS sufferers who are also suffering from
allergic conditions. No doubt future research will reveal
more.
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The author- Dave McEvoy is an award winning personal
trainer with over 20 years experience; he has also suffered
from IBS for 15 years.
http://www.ibs-symptom-relief.co.uk
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