Management of reflux symptoms with over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors: issues and proposed guidelines.

Background: Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are widely prevalent. There is a continuum between subjects with mild reflux symptoms and those severely affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Both groups may at times access over-the-counter (OTC) therapies.

Failed therapy and directions for the future in dyspepsia.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders including functional dyspepsia are highly prevalent. Their clinical course is benign without disease-associated mortality. On the other hand, the impact can be substantial for the affected patients with regard to the decrease of quality of life, and for society with regard to the economical implications.