Barboursville

Researchers are studying people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to find out if avoiding certain foods based on skin patch testing can help reduce their symptoms. The study tests for food allergies using a patch test that involves placing patches with 80 different foods and additives on the participant's back. The goal is to see if avoiding foods that cause allergic reactions improves IBS symptoms over 16 weeks. This is a randomized, double-blind trial where participants are assigned to either avoid foods they are allergic to or avoid foods they are not allergic to, without knowing which group they are in. The study involves three office visits within 4 to 5 days for the skin patch test. After 48 hours, the patches are removed and the doctor marks any allergic reactions. Participants with identified allergies then follow a 16-week avoidance diet. One group avoids the foods they reacted to (true avoidance diet), while the other group avoids different foods to which no allergy was found (sham avoidance diet). After the diet period, participants complete an online questionnaire about their IBS symptoms. Those on the sham diet will be informed of their true food allergies afterward and can try avoiding those foods on their own. During the study, participants complete questionnaires and follow dietary instructions for 16 weeks. Researchers measure IBS symptoms using a symptom assessment questionnaire after the avoidance diet. The total participation includes the initial patch testing visits, the 16-week diet period, and the final symptom questionnaire. The study results will be analyzed after all 250 participants complete the study to better understand the role of food allergies in IBS.