Dyspepsia in general practice

Abstract

110 patients who presented dyspeptic complaints to their general practitioner were interviewed using a questionnaire. Most patients had a long history of dyspeptic symptoms. 36 had been treated before for a peptic ulcer. Only 12 patients had a history of dyspepsia lasting less than three months. It is difficult to distinguish between organic and non-organic dyspepsia from the symptoms, and long-standing symptoms at any rate should be investigated further. The effect of medical treatment varies. Many patients have to live with their discomfort.