Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
What are food intolerances? How can they be diagnosed? Are food intolerance tests effective? What is the treatment of food intolerances? The question is answered by the drug. Anna Mitschke.
Are food intolerance tests effective?
Good day. I would like to ask if food intolerance tests do they work? I must admit that I am skeptical about this type of “inventions”, especially those that you can make yourself. Nevertheless, I would like to see what is happening to me, preferably if I can avoid visiting a doctor at the same time. I have recently digestive problems, I have abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation regularly, I feel full and gas.
I have tried to figure out what kind of food I have problems with, but have not been able to identify it. So I’m curious if the food intolerance tests work? And if so, what would be the best test for me?
I would like to check what I am possibly allergic to and whether it requires any specialist treatment or if it is enough to simply remove a specific ingredient from my diet that causes a problem, for example lactose. Will I be able to find out such things from the tests available in Poland?
The doctor discusses the effectiveness of tests for food intolerances
Food intolerance is a common problem that affects many patients. It should be noted that food intolerance is not the same term as food allergy. A food allergy is a reaction of the immune system to an allergen – a component found in food. The immune system mistakenly identifies the allergen as a harmful substance and produces antibodies to eliminate it from the body.
Under normal conditions, we need antibodies to fight real enemies in the body, such as bacteria and viruses. The body reacts by producing an allergic reaction the next time it comes into contact with the antigen. Symptoms of food allergiesj occur shortly after food consumption.
Additionally, there is a risk of a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. In the case of food allergy, we can observe itching, swelling of the lips, drop in blood pressure, breathing problems, the appearance of a rash on the body, the so-called hives. If you suspect a food allergy in yourself or in a person from our surroundings, you should immediately call an ambulance.
W allergy diagnosis skin tests are used. Food intolerance is another thing. This is a reaction not related to the immune system. Most often it is associated with deficiencies or abnormal functions of digestive enzymes involved in the process of food metabolism. A common food intolerance is a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose (the disaccharide contained in dairy products). In the case of lactose intolerance, we observe bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consumption.
Unfortunately, there are no perfect tests for detecting food intolerance. The most reliable diagnostic method is a double-blind placebo-controlled challenge.
This examination is performed in a hospital ward. The diagnosis and treatment of a patient with food intolerance depends on the symptoms presented. Therefore, in case of any disturbing symptoms, please contact your primary care physician. After reviewing the clinical picture, the doctor will decide on the implementation of possible further diagnostics and, if necessary, will refer them to a specialist.
— Lek. Anna Mitchke
The editorial board recommends:
- What tests for Lyme disease should be performed?
- How is hemochromatosis diagnosed?
- What are the creatinine norms?
For a long time you have not been able to find the cause of your ailments or are you still looking for it? Do you want to tell us your story or draw attention to a common health problem? Write to the address [email protected] #Together we can do more
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.