OBJECTIVE: To investigate any correlation between infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and overall symptoms of dyspepsia, in a general population sample. DESIGN: Analysis of test results and questionnaire replies from a population screening study involving subjects registered at a single general practice in Market Harborough, UK. METHODS: H. pylori status was established using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and frequent dyspepsia was assessed using a previously validated self-completion symptom questionnaire. RESULTS: Complete results for dyspepsia and H. pylori status were obtained and analysed for 1524 men and women aged 21-55 years at the start of the study. In those who attended for screening, the prevalence of dyspepsia was 39%, with a 15% prevalence of infection with H. pylori. No significant correlation was found between H. pylori status and frequent dyspepsia, upper abdominal pain or reflux-like symptoms. Adjustment for age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption did not alter these findings. CONCLUSION: The analysis suggested that H. pylori infection does not play an important role in overall symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia in the community, nor is it important in protecting against acid reflux in patients without duodenal ulcer.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate any correlation between infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and overall symptoms of dyspepsia, in a general population sample. DESIGN: Analysis of test results and questionnaire replies from a population screening study involving subjects registered at a single general practice in Market Harborough, UK. METHODS:H. pylori status was established using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and frequent dyspepsia was assessed using a previously validated self-completion symptom questionnaire. RESULTS: Complete results for dyspepsia and H. pylori status were obtained and analysed for 1524 men and women aged 21-55 years at the start of the study. In those who attended for screening, the prevalence of dyspepsia was 39%, with a 15% prevalence of infection with H. pylori. No significant correlation was found between H. pylori status and frequent dyspepsia, upper abdominal pain or reflux-like symptoms. Adjustment for age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption did not alter these findings. CONCLUSION: The analysis suggested that H. pyloriinfection does not play an important role in overall symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia in the community, nor is it important in protecting against acid reflux in patients without duodenal ulcer.