IBD and IBS: novel mechanisms and future practice

Diagnosis of IBD and IBS is not always straightforward as symptoms often overlap, and some patients even suffer from both disorders. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the manifestations of these patients are often refractory to standard treatments for IBD. In order to reach a better understanding of the mechanisms, approach to and management of these symptoms, the Falk Foundation organized a meeting on the interface between IBS and IBD, which took place in Glasgow in 2009. The articles of the publication at hand are based on the presentations made during this symposium. They cover basic science as well as translational issues, experimental medicine and, above all, provide practical guidance for clinicians. The following topics are discussed in depth: functional and inflammatory pain in GI disorders; pharmacology of current therapy of pain and inflammation; the overlap between IBS and IBD; microbes in IBS and IBD; microbial therapy in IBS and IBD; novel therapy for IBS and IBD, and unusual inflammatory disorders. Due to its focus on clinical matters, this publication contains a wealth of information for the physician confronted with patients suffering from IBS and IBD.