Lack of Effect of Treatment for Helicobacter pylori on Symptoms of Nonulcer Dyspepsia

Abstract
DYSPEPSIA IS an extremely common problem in the United States. A population-based study has suggested that as many as 25% of the population have symptoms consistent with dyspepsia.1 These symptoms include upper midabdominal discomfort or pain, nausea, early satiety, and abdominal bloating. Prior studies have demonstrated that dyspepsia is associated with peptic ulcer disease in approximately 20% of patients, gastroesophageal reflux disease in approximately 20% of patients, and gastric cancer in approximately 1% of patients.2,3 However, the majority of patients with dyspepsia have normal findings or only minor abnormalities on upper endoscopy and are therefore said to have nonulcer dyspepsia.