Dyspepsia is a very common condition affecting 40% of the adult population of the UK in any given year. Many of these will self-treat with over-the-counter (OTC) preparations including antacids and alginates. Only 2% of the population will present dyspepsia symptoms to their GP. Prescribed drugs and endoscopies cost the health service £600 million a year. A further £100 million is spent on OTC treatment for dyspepsia.
Patient UK information sheet on Gastroscopy (Endoscopy) (2005) Accessed via www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/27000331 [date last accessed 19.06.2008]
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