Comprehensive care for digestive disorders by Dr. Akeel Alisa
Many people experience digestive discomfort after eating certain foods, but it’s important to distinguish between a food intolerance and a food allergy, as the two are very different conditions requiring different approaches to management.
Food Allergy is an immune system reaction. Even a small amount of
the offending food can trigger immediate symptoms such as hives,
swelling, difficulty breathing, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
It requires strict avoidance of the food and, in some cases,
carrying emergency medication like adrenaline auto-injectors.
Food Intolerance does not involve the immune system. Instead, it
is usually related to the digestive system’s inability to process
or break down certain foods. Symptoms are often delayed and can
include bloating, gas, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or headaches.
Common intolerances include lactose intolerance, gluten
sensitivity, and reactions to high FODMAP foods.
While intolerances are rarely life-threatening, they can significantly impact daily life and wellbeing if not properly managed.
You should seek advice from a gastroenterologist if you experience:
It’s important not to self-diagnose or cut out major food groups without proper guidance, as this can lead to nutritional imbalances.
A gastroenterologist can arrange tailored investigations to determine whether your symptoms are caused by allergy, intolerance, or another condition such as coeliac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Testing may include:
Blood tests to check for immune markers or coeliac disease
Skin prick or patch testing for food allergies (usually with an
allergy specialist)
Breath tests for lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial
overgrowth (SIBO)
Elimination and reintroduction diets to identify trigger foods
under professional supervision
Endoscopy and biopsy if coeliac disease is suspected
Accurate diagnosis helps avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions and ensures safe, effective management.
Treatment depends on whether the issue is an intolerance or an allergy:
Strict avoidance of the allergen is essential.
In moderate to severe cases, carrying an adrenaline injector (e.g.
EpiPen) may be necessary.
Guidance from both a gastroenterologist and an allergy specialist
helps ensure safe management.
Dietary adjustments such as a low-lactose or low-FODMAP diet.
Lactase enzyme supplements may help those with lactose
intolerance.
Working with a specialist dietitian to ensure balanced nutrition
while avoiding triggers.
Monitoring long-term health to prevent complications such as
malabsorption or vitamin deficiencies.
Food intolerance and allergy can be confusing, with overlapping symptoms that mimic other conditions. A gastroenterologist can:
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My consultation with Dr Akeel Alisa was highly satisfactory and he was very thorough. The Gastroscopy procedure was performed satisfactorily with no pain or discomfort at all. I am very pleased with treatment received so far.
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I was fully vaccinated investigated by Dr Akeel Alisa and I was reassured. My endoscopy and colonoscopy were straight forward and painless. I am very happy with the care I received.
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Dr Akeel Alisa and Nursing team at Cromwell Hospital Endoscopy team offered me great care and all was perfect. Well pleased.
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