[Peptic enzymes for irritable stomache syndrome: a new, old therapeutic option? Results of a survey among family doctors].

OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: The treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia (irritable stomache syndrome) was recorded in a nationwide survey among family doctors. On a questionnaire, the physicians should provide information on the use of a combination preparation of gastric enzyme (pepsin) and amino acids, duration of use, therapy success and patients' contentment.

RESULTS

A total of 874 family doctors were contacted, 201 questionnaires were completed and evaluated. The physicians administered the combination preparation predominantly for feeling of fullness and pressure (82%), flatulence (78%) and upper abdominal pain (57%), usually over 3-6 weeks. They confirmed, that patients who suffered from these symptoms were very content with the combination preparation. 85% of the doctors rated the therapeutic success as "good" to "very good".

CONCLUSION

The combination of gastric enzyme (pepsin) and amino acids can be an effective therapeutic option for functional dyspepsia (irritable stomache syndrome) in medical practice.