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Review article: Chronic constipation and food hypersensitivity--an intriguing relationship
1Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. acarroccio@hotmail.com
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|October 25, 2006
Summary
Food hypersensitivity may cause chronic constipation in children unresponsive to typical treatments. Further research is needed to confirm this link in adults and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic constipation affects a significant portion of the population.
- Cow's milk protein hypersensitivity has been implicated in pediatric chronic constipation refractory to laxatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on the link between refractory chronic constipation and food hypersensitivity.
- To explore the hypothesis of food hypersensitivity's role in constipation pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Keywords used: 'chronic constipation, food intolerance and allergy'.
Main Results:
- Nineteen relevant papers were identified from 33 initial results.
- Evidence suggests a link between food allergy and constipation in pediatric patients with idiopathic, laxative-resistant constipation.
- One adult study showed resolution of chronic constipation with a hypoallergenic diet.
Conclusions:
- Growing evidence supports a connection between refractory chronic constipation and food allergy in children.
- Data in adults are limited and require further validation.
- More research is necessary to establish allergy's role in constipation and elucidate pathogenic pathways.
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