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Hello Dr,

Does IBS cause autoimmune diseases and disorders?

Hi Nadiarab

Thank you for your question.

IBS does not cause autoimmune conditions or diseases - however it has been noticed in one study that people who suffer from autoimmune conditions also can sometimes have symptoms of IBS. This is a possible connection but much more research is needed to establish what is happening.

However it is important to rule out a condition called coeliac disease, which is an autoimmune condition that does have symptoms similar to IBS, before someone is diagnosed with IBS, this condition is also linked to other autoimmune conditions, for example thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes and you can read more about that here https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information- ... c-disease/.

I hope this answers you question

Kind regards

Julie