Neither self‐reported atopy nor IgE‐mediated allergy are linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Background Among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), atopic disease has been proposed as a common comorbidity increasing the IBS symptom burden. We therefore assessed the prevalence of self‐reported atopy among patients with IBS as compared to non‐IBS controls, and whether atopy and higher serum IgE levels were associated with increased IBS symptom severity. Methods Levels of total and specific IgE in serum were measured and questionnaires assessing the presence of atopic disease (ie, eczema, asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and pollen allergy), gastrointestinal symptom burden, food intolerance, somatic, and psychological symptoms were completed. Key results In total, 223 patients with IBS and 47 controls participated. Presence of atopic disease was reported in 55% of patients with IBS compared to 40% of controls (P = .07). IBS patients with atopic manifestations (N = 123) had higher total serum IgE levels (median 31 vs 16 kUA/L, P