Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, and GERD (reflux) affect approximately one third of the US population. Research studies of new medications to relieve pain disorders of the upper and lower digestive tract are underway. These disorders include dyspepsia, heartburn, also known as reflux or GERD, and irritable bowel syndrome. Ulcer prevention is another important area of clinical research and the focus of several research studies.

Dyspepsia is one of the most common functional disorders, affecting 20 % of the population. Conditions such as dyspepsia and IBS are considered “functional disorders” as health care professionals can not find structural abnormalities to explain the symptoms. Dyspepsia is a disorder characterized by pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen and is sometimes described as indigestion. Dyspepsia symptoms may also include fullness, early satiety, bloating, belching, nausea, retching and vomiting. Over the counter and prescription remedies abound, although for some they have limited effectiveness. After failure of acid neutralizers, there are not many options. If dyspepsia does not respond to antacids, further evaluation by a physician is indicated to ensure a more serious stomach condition is not present. Stomach irritation and pain can be aggravated by cigarette smoking, alcohol, many medications, and excessive abdominal girth. A research study is currently evaluating the effects of an investigational medication to relieve the pain of dyspepsia for those who continue to have symptoms despite treatment.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder which affects 10-15% of the general population. IBS is one of the most common problems seen by primary care physicians and is the focus of research studies that focus on relieving either the pain and discomfort associated with cramping and bloating, or normalizing the bowel habits that can range from severe constipation to severe diarrhea. Many IBS sufferers are so-called “alternators” with diarrhea alternating with constipation. . IBS symptoms result from a disturbance in the interaction between the gastrointestinal tract, the brain and the nervous system. Many IBS patients have other conditions that are related to abnormal nerve responsiveness including migraine headache and fibromyalgia. Some research studies evaluate the effectiveness of medication to relieve pain and bloating, other clinical studies focus on normalizing bowel habits.

Patients taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) therapy for pain disorders are at a substantial risk of developing peptic or gastric ulcers with the potential for complications such as bleeding and stomach perforation. Clinical studies of investigational medications examine how to lower the risk of stomach ulcers in patients that require chronic NSAID use for a pain conditions such as arthritis. NSAIDs are not the only medications that predispose one to stomach ulceration. Medications that treat osteoporosis and some acne medications may also increase the risk of serious ulcer complications. Clinical research focuses on bringing safe and effective treatments to the chronic pain sufferer.

top