Could Your Irritable Bowel Syndrome Really Be Celiac Disease?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 15% of the population, and is characterized by chronic abdominal pains, change in stool frequency and consistency (diarrhea versus constipation), and relief of abdominal pains after a bowel movement. People have become more aware of IBS in recent years with the introduction of medications for the treatment of the symptoms of IBS. Celiac disease, an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the small intestines caused by the consumption of gluten (a protein found in various cereal grains), is characterized by abdominal pains, diarrhea/constipation, weight loss and malabsorption. Celiac disease has become more popular in recent years as various public figures and celebrities were diagnosed with this disease, as well as gluten-free foods becoming more widely available. Since IBS and Celiac disease share many common symptoms, could one be confused for the other?

Interestingly, people with IBS are four-times more likely be be diagnosed with Celiac disease than people without IBS. It isn't clear if this is because the two diseases share similar symptoms, and one is misdiagnosed for the other, or if people with IBS are truly at risk for developing Celiac disease. Time will tell, but it seems quite possible that many of us who blame their chronic abdominal symptoms on IBS could truly be suffering from Celiac disease. If you are suffering from IBS, but think your symptoms could represent Celiac disease, see your doctor. A simple blood test is quite accurate for the diagnosis of Celiac disease. And, while following a gluten-free diet isn't easy, it could virtually eliminate many of those "IBS symptoms" that you just thought you were going to have to live with, if in fact you've actually got Celiac disease.

Read more:

• All About Celiac Disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Allergies
• How to Follow a Gluten-Free Diet