Pilot Study Studying Physiological Effects of Probiotic Pills in Patients With Abdominal Pain/Discomfort and Bloating

We are conducting a study to learn if probiotics, which are live bacteria found in food like yogurt and cheese, will improve symptoms of abdominal pain. Individuals participating in this study will take probiotic pills to see if this affects the expression of certain pain receptors in the intestines that relate to pain sensation. Biopsies will be taken from the colon before subjects take the probiotic pills. Subjects will then be given one of two different types of probiotic pills to take for 3-4 weeks. After taking the supplements, more biopsies will be collected to see if any changes have taken places. This study requires one screening visit and two clinic visits to UNC hospital. Subjects will also complete daily diary cards for 2 weeks during the study to record their symptoms and also collect 2 stool samples.