irritable-bowel-disease

A once-daily pill for ulcerative colitis has delivered strong results in a clinical trial, easing symptoms even in patients for whom other treatments had failed and raising hopes for a safer, more effective therapy for a condition that affects millions.

Smoking's not often touted for its health benefits. But it's been known to help those suffering from colitis even though it exacerbates Crohn's disease. New research that could help treat the conditions says it all has to do with bacteria migration.

A new study has added strong evidence that red meat consumption is a trigger for inflammatory bowel disease, and inflammation, demonstrating just how it alters gut bacteria and immune activity, resulting in widespread tissue damage in the colon.

A peptide hormone produced in the brain that triggers physiological changes in reproduction has been 'hacked' to create an effective, safe and non-invasive way to treat chronic gut pain. Scientists are calling it an entirely new class of painkiller.

For the first time, a major trigger in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and related conditions has been identified, and existing drugs are capable of blocking it. It's a "massive step" in successfully treating these debilitating lifelong conditions.