肠易激综合症（IBS）被认为是功能性肠病，而不是自身免疫性疾病。但是，某些自身免疫性疾病会产生类似于IBS的症状，并且您可以同时患有自身免疫性疾病和IBS。

Let’s take a closer look at the connection between autoimmune diseases and IBS, and why it matters when seeking a diagnosis.

Your immune system defends you from foreign invaders, such as:

  • bacteria
  • fungi
  • toxins
  • viruses

When it senses something foreign, it sends an army of antibodies on the attack. This can help prevent sickness or lessen the severity of symptoms. In some cases, it can even prevent future sicknesses from those same invaders.

If you have anautoimmune condition, it means your immune system is mistakenly attacking your body like it’s those foreign invaders.

它认为某些健康细胞是异物。免疫系统响应使您感到inflammation和对健康细胞的损害。

Symptoms depend on what part of the body is affected.

Autoimmune conditions usually involve periods of intense disease activity. These are followed by remissions during which you have fewer symptoms.

There aremore than 100自身免疫性疾病影响身体的每个部位，包括胃肠道。

In a functional bowel disorder, the gastrointestinal tract (GI) doesn’t work as it should, but there’s no obvious abnormality.

功能性肠病包括：

  • IBS
  • functionalconstipation：每周少于三轮运动或排便不完全
  • functionaldiarrhea: recurrent loose or watery stools not associated with abdominal pain
  • functional腹胀: abdominal distention not associated with another disorder

Some things that can affect the GI tract are:

  • antacidsthat contain calcium or aluminum
  • certain medications, such as antidepressants, narcotics, and iron pills
  • 常规的更改，例如旅行
  • a dietlow in fiber
  • a diet rich in dairy products
  • frequent use of antacids
  • holding in bowel movements
  • lack of physical activity
  • pregnancy
  • stress

最近的research提出IBS和自身免疫性疾病之间的可能联系。患有自身免疫性疾病可能会增加IBS的风险。

在此之前，需要进行更多的研究。

全身性自身免疫性疾病与炎症有关，并可能引起与IBS相关的症状。这可能是由于：

  • 疾病本身
  • medication used to treat the disease
  • IBS作为其他原发性疾病

The following are some autoimmune diseases that can cause symptoms similar to IBS:

红斑狼疮

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)causes a variety of symptoms, depending on the part of the body that your immune system is attacking. Symptoms generally include:

  • 厌食
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • malaise
  • weight loss

GI symptoms are also common in SLE, and can include:

  • 腹痛
  • constipation
  • vomiting

类风湿关节炎

类风湿关节炎causes joint damage throughout the body. Symptoms include joint pain and swelling.

Gastrointestinal problems are common as well and include:

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitisis a type of arthritis that affects the spine. Symptoms may include:

  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite or weight loss
  • 姿势不良和僵硬

Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause inflammation of the bowels. Coexisting conditions can includeulcerative colitis和Crohn’s disease.

Sjögren syndrome

Sjögren syndrome影响唾液腺和撕裂囊（泪腺）。症状通常包括：

  • dry eyes
  • 口干
  • swallowing difficulty

It can also affect the entire GI tract, which can cause:

Behcet’s disease

Behcet’s disease影响整个身体的静脉和血管。它还可能引起胃肠道病变和其他胃肠道症状，例如：

  • 腹痛
  • 厌食
  • diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
  • 恶心
  • 消化道内的溃疡

Progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

硬皮病is a condition in which the body produces too much collagen, which can lead to:

  • impaired taste
  • restricted movement
  • skin thickening and tightening
  • 嘴唇变薄
  • tightness around the mouth, which can make it hard to eat

GI symptoms may include:

  • 腹胀
  • constipation
  • diarrhea

要了解您是否患有IBS或自身免疫性疾病，您的医生将想了解您的个人病史。这包括：

  • medications you take
  • 最近的感染或疾病
  • recent stressors
  • previously diagnosed health conditions
  • foods that may calm or aggravate symptoms

Your doctor will start with a basic physical examination.

Blood and stool tests are used to check for infections and other diseases. The results, plus your symptoms and medical history, will guide any further diagnostic testing. This may include a结肠镜检查或者imaging tests.

自身免疫性疾病,模仿IBS应该统治out

There’s no specific test for IBS. The diagnosis depends on a pattern of symptoms.

You may receive a diagnosis of IBS if:

  • you’ve had symptoms of IBS, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or a change in bowel movements and habits for more than 3 months
  • 您的症状至少有6个月
  • your quality of life is affected
  • 找不到症状的其他原因

The cause of IBS isn’t entirely clear. It may be a combination of factors that cause the disorder. It may even be that they’re different for everyone.

Some factors that may play a role are:

  • stressful events or prolonged periods of stress
  • 心理健康障碍，例如焦虑或者沮丧
  • 胃肠道的细菌或病毒感染
  • bacterial overgrowth or changes in gut bacteria
  • inflammation in the intestines
  • food敏感或不宽容
  • variations in muscle contractions in the intestine

IBS is not classified as an autoimmune disease, but as a functional bowel disorder. Researchers continue to explore the association between IBS and autoimmune disorders.

一些自身免疫性疾病及其治疗导致许多相同的症状。也有可能同时与自身免疫性疾病同时使用IBS。

Because of these overlaps, certain autoimmune diseases should be ruled out as you seek a diagnosis for IBS.