Non-ulcer dyspepsia

Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) includes functional forms, related to secretory and/or motor disorders, but also refers to forms with gastritis and/or duodenitis (erosive or not, Helicobacter pylori positive or not), as well as to idiopathic forms. NUD pathophysiology is multifactorial. Secretory abnormalities, H. pylori infection and in particular digestive and interdigestive disorders of gastrointestinal motility are often detected in NUD patients, but psychological, social and environmental factors can be also involved in NUD pathogenesis. With regard to symptom genesis, there is still no convincing evidence as to whether and to what extent pathogenetic factors have a causal relationship with dyspeptic symptoms. Upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy with biopsies and abdominal ultrasonography must be performed in patients over 45 years complaining of sudden symptoms, in patients under 45 years suffering from symptoms suggestive of severe organic disease and in patients with unexplained worsening of chronic symptoms. Ex adjuvantibus therapy may be employed in the remainder of dyspeptics. Oligosymptomatic dyspepsia needs no pharmacological treatment and in most cases it is enough to advise modifications of dietary habits and life style. Many drugs are usually employed in the pharmacological treatment of severe NUD but only H2-antagonists, pirenzepine and prokinetics are reported to be more effective than placebo. Efficacy of therapy should be checked after 4 weeks of treatment. If no improvement occurs, combined or different therapy might be employed. Treatment should be checked again after 8 weeks: therapeutic failure at this time indicates the need for endoscopic examination.