Helicobacter pylori infection and dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort, localised in the upper abdomen, which may or may not be related to meals. Its prevalence in the general population is extraordinarily high (20-40%). Several pathological conditions can provoke dyspepsia, although non ulcer dyspepsia is the main cause. The relationships between Helicobacter pylori and non ulcer dyspepsia are discussed, namely the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the efficacy of its eradication in non ulcer dyspepsia. The management of dyspeptic patients in the community is analysed according to the Maastricht Consensus of 1996. Our opinion is that, in Helicobacter pylori-positive dyspeptic patients, after a careful investigation with exclusion of other organic diseases, the bacterium should be eradicated.