New data presented at the premier international gastroenterology congress Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2006 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. 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." said Dr. Richard Locke of the Mayo Clinic.

Until now, the nature of the symptoms associated with abdominal cramping has 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.

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.

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 characterized 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 sufferers 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.

Buscopan 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 formula gently relaxes the cramped muscles of the digestive tract, and therefore relieves the spasms that cause abdominal pain.

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, Dulcolax, Bisolvon, Mucosolvan, Buscopan, Antistax and Mucoangin. Boehringer Ingelheim Consumer Healthcare is ranked the 8th largest supplier of self-medication products.