A new study showed that an increased number of children diagnosed with celiac disease reported experiencing abdominal pains caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Researchers from the University of Bari, Italy led by Dr. Fernanda Cristofori wondered if IBS was linked to celiac disease, since the symptoms bore certain similarities and affected the same body system. Scholars assessed 782 children diagnosed with abdominal pain-related disorders: 270 with IBS, 201 with indigestion, and 311 with functional abdominal pain.

Researchers took blood samples from the participants to discern whether the children were positive for celiac disease. The blood analysis revealed that 15 of the participants - or 1.53 percent of the population - tested positive for celiac disease. Twelve of them had IBS, two suffered from dyspepsia, and one had functional abdominal pain.

The study's authors concluded that IBS increased children's risk of developing celiac disease than other symptoms. They recommend that pediatricians start monitoring the children for celiac disease upon finding out out they suffer from IBS. On average, about about 15 percent of school-aged children are affected by irritable bowel syndrome.

"The identification of IBS as a high-risk condition for celiac disease might be of help in pediatric primary care because it might have become routine to test for celiac disease indiscriminately in all children with recurrent abdominal pain, although our finding suggests that the screening should be extended only to those with IBS," the press release read. "This new approach might have important implications for the cost of care because it has been estimated that in children with FGIDs, screening tests are common, costs are substantial, and the yield is minimal."

Celiac disease is a disorder brought on by sensititvity to foods that contain gluten. Celiacs who consume gluten risk damaging the inside of the small intestine. The sickness is particularly dangerous for children as it can slow their growth and weaken their bones. Common symptoms in children include gradual weight loss, diarrhea, weakness, and fatigue.

IBS, on the other hand, affects the large intestine. Common symptoms include bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Unlike celiac disease, it does not cause permanent damage and is relatively controllable.

This study was published on the April 21 issue of JAMA Pediatrics.