How to distinguish allergies from IBS?

Differential diagnosis between food allergies and irritable bowel syndrome is an important task for a doctor, as the symptoms of these conditions can be very similar.

The main fundamental difference lies in the nature of the pathology: a food allergy is the body's immune reaction to a specific protein, whereas irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder without organic damage.

In a food allergy, the immune response can be systemic, affecting the respiratory system, skin, or causing anaphylaxis. In IBS, the pathological process is localized strictly in the intestine and manifests as pain, constipation, or diarrhea.

To confirm an allergy, there are clear specific markers, such as a blood test for specific immunoglobulins E or skin prick tests. Irritable bowel syndrome, on the other hand, is a diagnosis of exclusion made after all other possible diseases have been completely ruled out.

Despite these differences, the symptoms of both conditions can overlap, requiring a mandatory consultation with a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.