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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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Can allergy or Lime mimic Crohn's symptoms?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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MedHelp Member's Question

Can allergy or Lime mimic Crohn's symptoms?

by Graysmom, Mar 29, 2004 12:00AM
My 16-yr old son is going through all the tests for Crohn's, IBD, ulcerative colitis, etc. He's had ultrasound, doppler, catscan, endoscopy that revealed 3 stomach ulcers, colonoscopy that was "inconclusive" because his system hadn't cleaned out, many blood tests, and the SBFT xray series (small bowel follow through). Other than the ulcers, all has "looked pretty good." He has been in constant severe pain since this started suddenly on Feb 9. The pain is located very specifically in the lower right abdomen, same area as the appendix. The ultrasound showed swollen lymph glands there when this started, but after four weeks of waiting the catscan showed those back to normal. I think the ulcers may be from all the pain meds he had been taking by the time they found those after 6 weeks, although the doc says the ulcers could be the cause of all this. (???) My son had constipation, now has diarrea. His grandmother has IBS, but it's not like this!! There are allergies in the family, and we live in the prime area for Lime Disease. My question is: could a food allergy cause these kind of symptoms? (if it's something he eats every day, the symptoms wouldn't stop)Could Lime Disease be a cause? That affects everyone differently, but I think it's effect is always neurological, so perhaps I'm asking if something affecting nerves could cause these kind of G.I. symptoms???

We are still awaiting biopsy results and the Gastrin Level blood test (because of the ulcers) but it is hard to see my son in so much pain for going on eight weeks now, and all this is destroying his semester at school. Thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice!!!
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 31, 2004 12:00AM
Gastrointestinal manifestations of Lyme disease are uncommon.  I would suggest looking for other causes first.  There has clearly been a comprehensive GI evaluation already done.  



Regarding food allergy, the most common symptoms of food allergy involve the skin and intestines. Skin rashes include hives and eczema. Intestinal symptoms typically include vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion and diarrhea.  If a food allergy is a consideration, you may want to consider a referral to an allergist.  



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments (4)

by PAJ, Mar 29, 2004 12:00AM
I would recommend you check out yeast infection , here’s some info that you may find useful. See if you relate.If it is candida it rarely is the only infectious agent  ,yeast profoundly suppresses the immune system allowing other pathogens to walk in! Sorry for the alarming post but that’s the situation. One good thing is children respond to treatment very quickly as the infection is relatively new and therefore accessible.

Candidiasis is a process involving an overgrowth of yeast  usually Candida Albicans which ultimately becomes a parasite thriving in the mucous membrane of the intestines. Other mucous membranes involve the skin, nose, mouth, throat, vagina, penis, prostate, large and small bowel and anus. As a result of this other unfriendly inappropriate bacteria also colonise the gut indicating that a change or imbalance has taken place in the environment of the gut. The end result of Candidiasis is a dysbiosis, that is " which creates inflammation, the consequences of which render the bowel "irritable".

Many people are diagnosed as suffering with IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome. IBS is mistakenly considered to be a recognised medical condition, which it is not. IBS simply means a collection of SYMPTOMS that relate to an irritable bowel, the CAUSE of which is undiagnosed.

What are the symptoms, side effects of Candida overgrowth?

· allergies which develop plus new allergies as you grow older

· tired all the time, constant fatigue, inability to sleep, sleep OK but don't feel refreshed on waking

· infertility, PMT, menstrual, post menopausal problems, mood swings, irritability

· constipation, diarrhoea, variety of tummy problems including IBS, Diverticulitis, Colitis, bloating, wind/gas, constipation, diarrhoea, poor digestion, acid reflux

· vaginal/prostate infections, thrush, recurring cystitis,

· respiratory conditions including asthma, hay fever, long term sinusitis, catarrh, habitual coughing, postnasal drip, sort throat, ear infections

· Chronic Fatigue/M.E

· kidney/bladder problems

· frequent headaches, migraines, dizziness, "foggy" brain, poor memory, Alzheimer's

· arthritis like symptoms, general aches and pains

· sugar/chocolate/alcohol cravings

· heartburn, gall bladder problems

· skin conditions, rashes, psoriasis