New Evidence Validates Global Prevalence and Severity of Abdominal Cramping and Pain

New Evidence Validates Global Prevalence and Severity of Abdominal Cramping and Pain

May 22, 2006

-- Survey Shows 25% of World's Population Suffer From Common and Distressing Ailment That Can Be Effectively Treated -
-- Not for Distribution to USA Media

    INGELHEIM, Germany, May 22 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- New
data presented at the premier international
gastroenterology congress Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2006
today, show that the prevalence and severity of abdominal
cramping, pain and discomfort have been globally
underestimated. Insights from a global epidemiological
study into this area show that one in four people around
the world suffer from this troublesome, and sometimes
debilitating, ailment.(1) New evidence from the market
research also helps to define this ailment and the symptoms
associated with it, paving the way for effective and
specific treatment and lifestyle changes. 

    "These new results confirm abdominal cramping,
pain and discomfort is suffered by people all over the
world.  We are now getting a clear country-by-country
indication of how common and distressing this ailment and
its symptoms are in the general population," stated Dr
Richard Locke of the Mayo Clinic. 

    Until now, the nature of the symptoms associated with
abdominal cramping have not been defined systematically,
creating a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding
among sufferers. In addition to prevalence, the study
results show how disruptive this ailment and the symptoms
associated with it can be for a sufferer. Two thirds of all
sufferers indicated they experience sudden abdominal attacks
that begin without warning.(1) On average, 34.5% of these
sufferers experience at least one fierce attack every
week.(1) 

    While abdominal cramping and pain is the central
symptom associated with these attacks, it is often
accompanied by additional digestive symptoms such as
constipation, diarrhea, bloating and flatulence.

    "For years I have been trying to find a way to
explain the pain and discomfort I experience during a
stomach attack.  They usually come on without any warning,
leaving me unable to concentrate on anything expect the
pain.  These attacks are especially embarrassing when I am
at work in a meeting with colleagues as it literally stops
me from functioning," said Sarah Lockyer. 

    According to Dr Locke, "Sufferers do not like
talking about the troublesome symptoms that accompany
abdominal cramping, pain and discomfort. They often feel
like they are the only ones experiencing these symptoms, or
in some cases, that they have caused the attacks by eating
the wrong foods or taking on too much stress."

    Dr Locke continued, "This ailment is characterised
as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which means that
the abdomen appears to be normal but does not function
properly. The symptoms need to be proactively managed and
treated to improve the sufferer's quality of life."

    Abdominal cramping, pain and discomfort can be
exacerbated by a variety of factors, including: stress,
eating and drinking habits, organic reasons such as food
intolerances, stimulating substances such as coffee, or
unhealthy lifestyle. While lifestyle changes can help a
sufferer manage the symptoms associated with this ailment,
on average 81.3% of sufferers take medication.(1) As
perceived by sufferers, medication shortens the duration of
episodes considerably.(1) 

    "The results of these studies show the onset and
severity of symptoms associated with this ailment are
similar for sufferers all over the world.  Lifestyle
changes and treatments, such as antispasmodics, can help
alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of abdominal
attacks," said Professor Eamonn Quigley of the
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre at the National University
of Ireland.

    Buscopan(R) is the leading global over the counter
antispasmodic brand that provides reliable relief from the
pain and discomfort due to abdominal cramps. The proven
Buscopan(R) formula gently relaxes the cramped muscles of
the digestive tract, and therefore relieves the spasms that
cause abdominal pain. 

    Boehringer Ingelheim Consumer Health Care

    The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20
leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in
Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 143
affiliates in 47 countries and almost 37,500 employees.
Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has
been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing
and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for
human and veterinary medicine.

    In 2005, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of 9.5
billion euro while spending almost one fifth of net sales
in its largest business segment Prescription Medicines on
research and development.

    The Consumer Health Care business is one of the core
businesses of the Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation and
strives to serve customers worldwide with top-quality
pharmaceuticals for self-medication and is widely known for
its products such as: Pharmaton(R), Dulcolax(R),
Bisolvon(R), Mucosolvan(R), Buscopan(R), Antistax(R) and
Mucoangin(R).

    Boehringer Ingelheim Consumer Healthcare is ranked the
8th largest supplier of self-medication products. 

    For more information please visit
http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com .

    Notes to the editor

    The epidemiology study was completed in two stages.
First a community survey was completed in over 9,000 people
in 9 countries. Then about 200 sufferers in eight countries
participated in more in-depth interviews. The second phase
was done in order to obtain insights into the nature of
abdominal complaints, the characteristics in abdominal
attacks and the role of drug therapy in dealing with these
symptoms. 

    References

    (1) Tygat GNJ, Paulo LG, Mueller-Lissner S, et al.  The
community 
        prevalence of abdominal pain and cramps: A
multi-national survey. 
        Digestive Disease Week. 2006 Poster

    For more information, please contact:

     Ute E Schmidt, 
     Corporate Division Communications,
     Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH    
     Tel:   [phone]
     Fax:   [phone]

     Sara Singer, 
     Project Director,
     Shire Health International
     Tel:   [phone]
     Fax:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH