Cost-effective management of dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Dyspepsia and heartburn are common symptoms in primary care practice. This article outlines the diagnosis and management of these problems with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness as well as the prevention of complications. It reviews what evaluations and treatments have been shown in the literature to be helpful and which have been found to be ineffective or much more expensive without clear benefit. It also clarifies the various diseases that can present as dyspepsia and refers readers to the appropriate articles included in this book.