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

Ingelheim, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

- For Healthcare Professional and Consumer Journalists

- Not for Distribution to USA Media

- Survey Shows 25% of World's Population Suffer From Common and
Distressing Ailment That can be Effectively Treated

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, diarrhoea, 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 www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Notes to Editors

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

ots Originaltext: Boehringer Ingelheim
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
For further information, please contact: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH,
Ute E Schmidt, Corporate Division Communications, Phone:
+49-613-277-97296, Fax: +49-613-277-6601. Shire Health International,
Sara Singer, Project Director, Phone: +44-(0)20-7108-6521, Fax:
+44-(0)20-7108-6501, sara.singer@shirehealthinternational.com