Do I suffer from food intolerance or allergy?

Abstract

Food intolerances are quite prevalent, affecting approximately 15-20% of the population. They lead to digestion difficulties linked to specific food products. It is important to note the difference between food intolerance, which usually includes the digestive system excluding the immune system and food allergies, which are a result of immune system activation. Food intolerances are shown to be more frequent in individuals suffering from digestive system disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS network states that the majority with IBS also experience food intolerances. An individual affected by food intolerance often experiences discomfort soon after ingesting food products. The range of symptoms is vast and commonly involves the digestive system itself. The most frequent symptoms linked to food intolerance involve bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea, migraine, headaches, runny nose, excess gas and malaise. The symptoms linked to food intolerance can take some time before becoming apparent. The onset can present even up to several hours after eating and the symptoms can persist for numerous hours or even days. It is quite complex when it comes to differentiation between food intolerance and a food allergy as signs and symptoms of both conditions overlap.