Expired CME Article

Reflux, Dyspepsia, and Disorders of the Foregut

Authors: Alan C. Moss, MB, Ciarán P. Kelly, MD

Abstract

Disorders of the foregut are an increasingly common cause of symptoms in Western populations. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia and celiac disease.


Key Points


* The majority of patients with reflux and dyspepsia can be safely treated without endoscopy, as most have functional disease.


* Functional heartburn and dyspepsia are chronic disorders with high relapse rates.


* Testing and treating for H pylori infection is the recommended initial strategy for most patients with dyspepsia.


* Celiac disease is underdiagnosed in primary care, and serology testing by IgA TTG should be considered in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, iron deficiency anemia, nutrient deficiencies and early-onset osteoporosis.

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