If you're dealing with ongoing abdominal pain, you may be wondering whether food sensitivities are the culprit. While food sensitivities aren’t life-threatening, that doesn’t mean they can’t seriously disrupt our life.
At the Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida, our board-certified gastroenterologist John M. Rivas, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating various digestive issues, including those caused by food sensitivities.
Keep reading as we explain the connection between food sensitivities and chronic abdominal pain as well as the ways you can find relief.
Before diving into the link between food sensitivities and chronic abdominal pain, it’s important to understand the difference between sensitivities, allergies, and autoimmune conditions that affect your gut. This can help ensure you’re getting the right medical care for the right condition.
Food sensitivities are when your body reacts abnormally to certain foods. Unlike allergies, this reaction doesn't involve the immune system and typically results in digestive issues rather than potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food allergies, on the other hand, involve an immune response to specific proteins in foods. Reactions can range from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic reactions that require immediate medical attention.
Autoimmune conditions, like celiac disease, are when your immune system reacts to specific substances, such as gluten, causing it to attack your body. This leads to inflammation and damage to the intestines.
Understanding the differences between these conditions is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Food sensitivities can lead to various digestive symptoms, often mistaken for other conditions. These symptoms may include:
When food sensitivities aren’t treated or properly managed, they can lead to chronic abdominal pain, which is described as consistent and long-lasting discomfort in your belly.
Since food sensitivities are often missed or misdiagnosed, it’s important to identify and address the underlying cause so you can find relief.
Chronic abdominal pain can severely take away from your quality of life. It's crucial to consult an expert in gut health, like Dr. Rivas, to get an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
At Rivas Digestive Center, we offer comprehensive evaluations, including specialized tests to identify food sensitivities. With the proper diagnosis, Dr. Rivas can create a personalized treatment plan to ease your symptoms and promote optimal digestive health.
There’s no one-size-fits-all food sensitivity treatment. Instead, your personalized plan may include different therapeutic modalities, including:
If chronic abdominal pain is affecting your daily life and you suspect food sensitivities might be the cause, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance.
Dr. John Rivas and the team at Rivas Digestive Center are committed to helping you understand and manage your digestive health, including addressing food sensitivities contributing to your ongoing discomfort.
Schedule an appointment today online or over the phone at the Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida, and take the first step toward a more comfortable and healthy life.
