Dyspepsia and heartburn are very common symptoms. People with these symptoms frequently consult with general practitioners. Significant numbers of people are referred to specialists for advice and invasive procedures including oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy OGD).
Furthermore, the dyspepsia and heartburn symptoms themselves, and the inconvenience resulting from them (including loss of work), carry important personal, social and financial costs. The treatment of dyspeptic symptoms in our current practice is often random, poorly advised and not evidence-based.
The cost to the country (and not infrequently to people with dyspepsia and heartburn) needs to be rationalised so that those who are in most need achieve rapid and effective management.
The aim of this guideline is to promote up-to-date recommendations for the safe and efficient management of these individuals. The guideline is evidence-based and represents a distillation of a review of the extensive literature in the field.