2008 Woodie Awards
Allergies, Asthma and IBS
Michaela Martin
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Pulse
One in five Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to the Mayo Clinic, so it is not surprising that it is one of the most common disorders that doctors treat. However, its symptoms, which include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation and gas, often leave patients silent due to their generally embarrassing nature.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, many Americans also suffer from atopic disorders. These include most commonly atopic dermatitis (allergic eczema), asthma, seasonal allergies and food allergies. Needless to say, allergies and their treatments are much more commonly discussed due to their lack of stigma.
Yet there is a connection between the two syndromes. Interestingly enough, a recent study conducted at Rush University Medical Center by Dr. Mary C. Tobin and colleagues found a link between IBS and allergies. Mast cells, rich in histamine and most commonly known to play a role in allergy and anaphylaxis, were observed in IBS sufferers, suggesting this link of the two.
The study, published in the January 2008 issue of the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology," used 125 adult patients with and without IBS to measure any possible correlation between allergic response and IBS.
Until now, "various findings suggest indirectly that allergen exposure may lead to IBS symptoms in some patients, but the frequency has not been studied," the study explained.
Dr. Tobin states that for those suffering from atopic disorders "the likelihood of IBS was significantly higher in these patients." This is particularly true for those suffering from allergies as children. Frequently in childhood, food allergy is related to gastrointestinal function.
In addition, the researchers note the incidence of IBS symptoms is also increased by those who suffer from depression. Although depression and allergies themselves are not correlated, it has long been known that IBS symptoms are linked to stress. It seems that many IBS sufferers are more sensitive to the effects of outside stimuli that cause stress, and the authors of this study noted that there is a high incidence of symptoms outside of the bowel, such as fatigue, anxiety and asthma, with IBS.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, many Americans also suffer from atopic disorders. These include most commonly atopic dermatitis (allergic eczema), asthma, seasonal allergies and food allergies. Needless to say, allergies and their treatments are much more commonly discussed due to their lack of stigma.
Yet there is a connection between the two syndromes. Interestingly enough, a recent study conducted at Rush University Medical Center by Dr. Mary C. Tobin and colleagues found a link between IBS and allergies. Mast cells, rich in histamine and most commonly known to play a role in allergy and anaphylaxis, were observed in IBS sufferers, suggesting this link of the two.
The study, published in the January 2008 issue of the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology," used 125 adult patients with and without IBS to measure any possible correlation between allergic response and IBS.
Until now, "various findings suggest indirectly that allergen exposure may lead to IBS symptoms in some patients, but the frequency has not been studied," the study explained.
Dr. Tobin states that for those suffering from atopic disorders "the likelihood of IBS was significantly higher in these patients." This is particularly true for those suffering from allergies as children. Frequently in childhood, food allergy is related to gastrointestinal function.
In addition, the researchers note the incidence of IBS symptoms is also increased by those who suffer from depression. Although depression and allergies themselves are not correlated, it has long been known that IBS symptoms are linked to stress. It seems that many IBS sufferers are more sensitive to the effects of outside stimuli that cause stress, and the authors of this study noted that there is a high incidence of symptoms outside of the bowel, such as fatigue, anxiety and asthma, with IBS.
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