A common denominator between food allergies, the flu and irritable bowel syndrome is gastrointestinal symptoms. Each medical condition is distinctively different compared to the others. Each condition needs to be evaluated by a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are in extreme pain, have blood in your stool or exhibit a fever over 100.5, seek immediate medical attention.
Food Allergy
A food allergy is a hypersensitivity to certain proteins found in foods. The most common foods that cause an allergic reaction are fish, peanuts, nuts, milk, wheat, soy and eggs, according to MayoClinic.com. During an allergic reaction to a food, the immune system mistakes the proteins as a dangerous substance and begins to build a defense against them. During this process, the body creates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that attack the proteins to ward them off. The IgE antibodies cause a chemical chain reaction in the body that leads to histamine production and common food allergy symptoms.
The Flu
The flu is a shortened term for an infection from the influenza virus. The flu causes common coldlike symptoms that typically appear within one to seven days after contracting the virus, according to the New York Times Health. The flu is considered highly contagious and is transferred from person to person from contact or airborne particles released after sneezing or coughing. If the flu goes untreated it could cause devastating complications, including death. If you suspect that you have the flu, talk with your doctor immediately.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the colon or lower bowels. The lower bowel becomes erratic, causing diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and abnormal bowel movements. According to MedlinePlus, the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is still undetermined. The symptoms are typically triggered by certain foods, taking medication or stress.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms between a food allergy, the flu and irritable bowel syndrome are all related to the digestive tract. Otherwise, there is no other connection between the three medical conditions. Common symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting and nausea. These symptoms are common in many conditions and need to be assessed by a doctor.
Treatments
A food allergy is treated by identifying the foods that are causing an allergic reaction and avoiding them, according to MayoClinic.com. Antihistamines may be used to treat mild food allergy symptoms. Treat the flu with increased rest and fluid intake. Over-the-counter drugs can be used to treat symptoms of the flu, but will not shorten the duration of the illness. There is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome but it is manageable through drugs, supplementation and diet modification.
