Allergan PLC and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc. merged forces with the American Gastroenterological Association to raise awareness about bowel health during Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month.
The Vital Signs of Bowel Health Summit was held in New York City, and was hosted by Wendy Williams, who spoke on the importance of recognizing the symptoms of a bowel condition.
"I want to encourage anyone who experiences abdominal pain with constipation and diarrhea to take the lead and initiate a conversation with their health care professional, share what they're experiencing and feel comfortable discussing this important issue," Williams said.
It is estimated that half of all IBS-C and IBS-D patients who participated in a 2015 IBS survey in America took over-the-counter medication for over a year before seeking the advice of a medical professional.
In addition to Williams, the event welcomed Andrea Shin, assistant professor of medicine at the Indiana University Health North Hospital, nutritionist Lauren Slayton, and nutritional psychologist Amanda Baten.
"Open conversations about bowel health are critical for enabling me to help my IBS and CIC patients find an appropriate treatment option," American Gastroenterological Association President Timothy Wang said.
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