Patients who regurgitate frequently but for no apparent reason may be suffering from rumination. Unfortunately, rumination is frequently misdiagnosed as other gastrointestinal conditions, which means that many patients may not receive timely treatment.
Researchers have now discovered that a receptor involved in our sensation of touch and warmth is present in our colon, opening up a potential therapeutic target for the management of chronic pain brought on by gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.