Helicobacter pylori infection and dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort, local ised in the upper abdomen, which may or may not be related to meals. Its pr evalence in the general population is extraordinarily high (20-40%). Severa l pathological conditions can provoke dyspepsia, although non ulcer dyspeps ia is the main cause. The relationships between Helicobacter pylori and non ulcer dyspepsia are discussed, namely the prevalence of Helicobacter pylor i 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 pyl ori-positive dyspeptic patients, after a careful investigation with exclusi on of other organic diseases, the bacterium should be eradicated.