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Characterization of irritable bowel syndrome and constipation in children with allergic diseases
Carlo Caffarelli1, Alessandra Coscia, Francesco Baldi
1Dipartimento dell'Età Evolutiva, Clinica Pediatrica, Università di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43100 Parma, Italy. carlo.caffarelli@unipr.it
Insights
Allergic children do not show higher rates of constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, in allergic children with positive food allergy tests, IBS symptoms warrant attention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Allergology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Allergy is implicated in the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
- The relationship between allergic conditions and functional gastrointestinal disorders in children requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if children with allergies are more susceptible to constipation or IBS.
- To explore the association between allergic sensitization and functional gastrointestinal disorders in pediatric outpatients.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter study comparing allergic children (n=196) with non-allergic controls (n=127), aged 3-13 years.
- Assessment of IBS and constipation using Rome criteria questionnaires.
- Skin prick tests (SPT) for food and aeroallergens, and evaluation of self-reported food reactions.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in the prevalence of IBS (6.6% vs. 6.3%) or constipation between allergic and non-allergic children.
- Positive SPTs to foods and self-reported food reactions were associated with IBS in the allergic group.
- No increased comorbidity of constipation was observed in allergic children.
Conclusions:
- Routine evaluation for constipation comorbidity is not necessary in children with allergies.
- In allergic children with positive SPTs to foods, attention should be directed towards potential IBS symptoms.
Abstract:
Allergy is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. We investigated whether allergic patients are more prone to constipation or IBS. In a multicenter study, two groups of outpatient children aged 3-13 years were included. In group 1, children with allergic symptoms were enrolled. Group 2 consisted of nonallergic children. In both groups, the assessment of IBS and constipation was carried out using a questionnaire based on the Rome criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders. All children were examined and underwent skin prick tests (SPT) to foods and aeroallergens. The allergic group (n=196) and controls (n=127) were comparable with respect to sex, age, and anthropometric parameters. IBS was found in 6.6% of the allergic children and in 6.3% of the controls (p=0.581). The frequency of constipation was similar in the two groups. In allergic children, positive SPTs to food and self-reported reactions to food were associated with IBS. Our results show that evaluation of constipation comorbidity is not required in allergic children. In allergic children with positive SPT to foods attention may be paid to IBS symptoms.
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