Upper gastrointestinal tract disease and probiotics.

Abstract

Diseases of the oropharynx, oesophagus, stomach and duodenum are common. This review discusses the microflora of the upper gastrointestinal tract with particular reference to lactic acid bacteria and the effect of acid suppression. Probiotics can survive in these sites and evidence is presented for potential roles in disease prevention and treatment, particularly with regards to peptic ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer.