Gastroenterology and hepatology

KU Leuven researchers have identified the biological mechanism that explains why some people experience abdominal pain when they eat certain foods. The finding paves the way for more efficient treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and other food intolerances.

An international research group has just released the results of a trial about the worldwide prevalence and impact of 22 functional gastrointestinal disorders. The trial was performed in 33 countries over 6 continents and offers more perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

Approximately 3 in a 1000 people suffer from Crohn's disease, a disorder characterised by intestinal inflammation. Although treatment is available for this disease, not all patients benefit from it. Moreover, even when the treatment is successful, quite a few patients still suffer from abdominal pain.