Eradication of Helicobacter pylori has been proved to beneficial in which of the following disorders of the stomach
**Core Concept**
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a significant risk factor for various gastric disorders, including peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The bacterium colonizes the gastric mucosa, leading to chronic inflammation and damage to the gastric epithelium.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Eradication of H. pylori has been shown to significantly reduce the recurrence of peptic ulcers, particularly duodenal ulcers. This is because H. pylori infection is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease, and its eradication leads to healing of the ulcers and prevention of recurrence. The mechanism involves the reduction of gastric acid secretion and the normalization of the gastric mucosal environment.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Gastric cancer - While H. pylori infection is a risk factor for gastric cancer, its eradication has not been proven to prevent cancer development or reduce mortality from gastric cancer.
**Option B:** Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - H. pylori infection is not a direct cause of GERD, and its eradication has not been shown to improve symptoms or outcomes in GERD patients.
**Option C:** Functional dyspepsia - H. pylori eradication may provide some symptom relief in patients with functional dyspepsia, but its benefits are generally modest and not as significant as in peptic ulcer disease.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that H. pylori eradication is generally recommended in patients with peptic ulcers, particularly those with a history of recurrent ulcers or those with a high risk of complications.
**Correct Answer:** C. Functional dyspepsia