Link between asthma and IBS could mean better drugs

ALLERGIES and asthma in childhood are linked to an increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), new research shows.

The study of more than 2,700 children found those who had IBS at 16 were almost twice as likely to have had asthma than those without IBS. The bowel syndrome affects one in five people, causing cramps and bloating.

Swedish researchers told the United European Gastroenterology conference that IBS and allergies may be caused by shared immunity issues. This could lead to new treatments for IBS.