Heretical thoughts about food hypersensitivity: small bowel manometry as an objective way to document gut reactions

Abstract

Background: Food hypersensitivity is a frequent complaint by both pediatric and adult subjects. However, notwithstanding patient' belief about ‘allergies’ related to food stuffs, only a minority of them have actually such a diagnosis substantiated. Moreover, the diagnostic approach to these problems is cumbersome and unsatisfactory, and the objectivation of a food hypersensitivity is often difficult. Patients and methods: For these reasons we studied by means of small bowel manometry a small group of patients with food hypersensitivity, and showed abnormal fasting and postprandial findings in those with the gut as a target organ on clinical grounds. Results: Manometric abnormalities were somewhat similar to those previously described in celiac disease, a well recognized food allergy disease. The possible usefulness of this technique in the investigative approach of food hypersensitivity is discussed.