Food intolerance is the total or partial inability to digest and metabolize a food. In common parlance, this term is often associated with the term allergy, mistakenly used as a synonym. Food allergy and intolerance are two different diseases, with different causes, symptoms and diagnostic pathways. We talk about this topic with Dr. Francesca Puggioni, a specialist in respiratory diseases in Humanitas.
Allergy and intolerance, what is the difference?
“Allergy is the production of antibodies (IgE) to a certain allergen, just as antibodies are produced for example to dust mites or pollens of grasses; intolerance is the total or partial inability to digest and metabolize a food”. While food allergy generally manifests itself with so-called oral allergic syndrome, characterized by itching, swelling to the oral mucous membranes and tongue. Urticaria, itching of the rest of the body and swelling of the lips and eyelids can also occur and gastro-intestinal disorders such as dysentery, nausea or abdominal cramps are also possible. In case of food intolerance, on the other hand, the gastrointestinal manifestations are predominant and more intense: dysentery, nausea, abdominal cramps, and weight loss, lack of appetite, and additionally widespread tiredness. Symptoms of itching are absent.
The diagnosis: it requires only one specialist
To understand if you suffer from food intolerance it is essential to consult your doctor and undergo an allergological or gastroenterological examination. Thanks to the visit and the symptoms reported, it will be possible to make a first distinction between possible allergy and intolerance. The specialist can then prescribe specific tests. In case of food intolerance the gastroenterologist may suggest: blood tests, colonoscopy with biopsy and tests such as urea breath test in case of lactose intolerance.
“It is essential to rely on specialized hospitals before making any kind of changes to the diet – said Dr. Puggioni – even in the case of intolerance or allergy, the specialist will be able to recommend a balanced diet while eliminating foods harmful to us. Do-it-yourself methods are therefore prohibited.
