The prevalence of Pollen Food Syndrome in patients with IBS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective observational cohort study to determine the prevalence of pollen food allergy syndrome (PFS) in adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IRAS ID
229644
Contact name
Isabel Skypala
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Studies suggest that a common mild food allergy to raw plant foods, known as pollen food syndrome (PFS) may be more likely to occur in people who also have a diagnosis of a gastrointestinal condition known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This study will assess how often people with IBS also have PFS, and also try to establish whether those who have both conditions suffer more severe IBS symptoms. Those invited to take part will already have a diagnosis of IBS made by a gastro-intestinal specialist. People taking part will come for one hour long visit, which will involve completing some forms, having a standard allergy test and finally a blood sample taken. The questionnaires are designed to find out whether those taking part have PFS or another type of food allergy, how severe their IBS symptoms are, how much the IBS is affecting their quality of life and how varied their diet is. Those who also have hay fever will also complete a form to find out how severe their hay fever symptoms are. Everyone taking part will then have a standard allergy test, known as a skin prick test (SPT), to some foods linked to PFS, and pollens linked to hay fever. The SPT is relatively painless and gives an immediate result. A blood sample will also be taken and stored for analysis. If PFS is diagnosed, some information on this will be given to the participant and a letter sent to their GP.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0577
Date of REC Opinion
4 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion