[Helicobacter pylori and gastro-esophageal reflux disease: clinical considerations].

In the last decade, several studies have approached the issue of a potential relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The different aspects debated were the possibility that the bacterium could have a protective role or worsen the disease or have no relationship at all. Hitherto, although some researchers have proposed fascinating pathogenic pathways, no scientific evidences exist to support the need to treat or not H. pylori infection in order to modify the natural history of GERD. In this review, the authors report the main updated considerations regarding this matter.