Irritable bowel syndrome and food allergies are two different conditions that can both cause digestive difficulty. If you've been diagnosed with IBS, certain foods can trigger your symptoms, such as chocolate, dairy and alcohol, but those are not related to a food allergy. IBS is not completely understood, but it can be managed through diet and lifestyle modifications. Food allergies can occur at any age, but they are the most common in young children under the age of 3 years. Make an appointment with your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is not caused by a digestive disorder, but it is a nervous system malfunction. The condition primarily affects the large intestine, or colon, with erratic bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Your intestines are lined with muscles that contract to move your digested food along until it reaches the colon and is expelled through your anus. The nerves that control the contractions of these muscles misfire, causing irritable reactions that cannot be controlled. Hormones, stress, foods and other illnesses can cause symptoms to worsen.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are an exaggerated reaction that occurs in the immune system when you eat a food that your body identifies as dangerous. Wheat, soy, fish, peanuts, eggs, milk and tree nuts are the most common foods that trigger an allergic reaction in the body. During the reaction, the immune system begins to defend the body with antibodies and other chemicals. Histamine is a chemical released during a food allergy that causes inflammation in soft tissue in the body, such as in the intestines. This results in digestive, respiratory and skin complications.
The Relationship
If you eat a food that you're allergic to and you've been diagnosed with IBS, the allergic reaction can trigger your symptoms. Not all adverse reactions in your digestive tract are the result of an allergic reaction. Some foods can trigger your IBS symptoms for no apparent reason. If you notice that you develop gastric symptoms after eating dairy products, you may be lactose intolerant. This condition is common in the United States. It's the inability to digest the sugar found in cow's milk properly.
Considerations
Although IBS causes minor to severe reactions in your digestive system, the condition doesn't cause any harm to your gastrointestinal system. If you notice that certain foods trigger adverse reactions, stop eating that food until you can talk to your doctor. IBS may be treated with certain prescription drugs, while a food allergy is only treated by eliminating all allergic foods.
