title: [Policy in patients with epigastric complaints].
abstract: In the relatively young dyspeptic patient without alarming symptoms both the test-and-treat approach and the empirical acid-inhibition therapy have proved to be effective non-invasive management strategies. When these strategies are followed, a minority of the patients subsequently need endoscopy. Additional well-designed studies are needed to compare the non-invasive management strategies test-and-treat and empirical acid inhibition in a primary-care setting. The individual general practitioner is advised to follow the guidelines applied in their region. These regional management strategies are usually based on the national guidelines and the facilities available in the region. In the absence of a regional management strategy it is recommended to follow the national guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Maag-, Darm-en Leverziekten, C4-P, Postbus 96oo, 2300 RC, Leiden. cbhwlamers@lumc.nl
authors.forename: C B H W
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Lamers
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Korstanje
mesh_terms: D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000379:methods; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents