Primary care in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal symptoms in Japan: Prescription preferences and impression of results

Background: Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common in primary care. However, proper pharmacological approaches have not yet been established. The reason for a lack of proper approaches may be attributable to the lack in clarity of their pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Meta-analysis of pharmacological approaches to functional GI disorders failed to identify the solid cluster of patients' symptoms. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the perspective of primary care doctors concerning prescriptions for functional GI symptoms, evaluate the efficacy of the drugs prescribed, and the need for medication for these symptoms. Method: Questionnaires were sent to primary care doctors, and a total of 149 responses were obtained. Efficacy of each medication was evaluated by the number of doctors favouring the category, and the respective impressions of prescriptions given. Results: Symptoms of heartburn were well controlled by anti-secretory drugs (H2RAs and PPIs), while appetite loss and abdominal gurgling were not controlled by any medications. Conclusions: This survey reveals differences in need for various prescription drugs in functional GI symptoms.