A recent UEG survey indicated that dysphagia, heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain and changes to bowel habit are each reported by 5–15% of the general population.1 For patients with mild symptoms, negative tests provide reassurance and simple, symptomatic management might be all that is required (e.g. acid suppression, stool regulation). However, for those with severe symptoms that persist on therapy, ruling out life-threatening disease is not sufficient, and referral to the neurogastroenterology and motility (NGM) laboratory for physiological measurements is often indicated. Clinical investigations aim to explain the cause of symptoms and establish a diagnosis that can guide rational treatment. Until recently, it could be argued that manometry, scintigraphy, breath tests and related tests rarely provided this information. As a result, only patients with suspected major motility disorders (e.g. achalasia, severe reflux disease or faecal incontinence) were routinely referred to the NGM laboratory for tests. Technological advances, such as high-resolution manometry (HRM), now provide objective measurements not only of motility, but also of function in terms of the movement (and digestion) of ingested material within the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the ability to associate events (such as bolus retention, reflux or gas production) with symptoms provides an indication of visceral sensitivity and can identify what is causing patient complaints. Here, I discuss frequent mistakes in clinical investigation of gastrointestinal motility and function based on a series of consensus documents published by members of the International Working Group for Disorders of Gastrointestinal Motility and Function.

According to the Montreal definition, “[gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)] is a condition which develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications.”1 GORD has a negative effect on quality of life and is frequently encountered in clinical practice, with an estimated prevalence of around 24% in Europe. In the US, GORD-related healthcare costs account for $9 billion per year. A variety of symptoms are associated with GORD—heartburn and regurgitation are typical symptoms, while chest pain, cough and sore throat are considered atypical symptoms—but none is pathognomonic

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), first introduced with omeprazole in 1988, revolutionized the treatment of gastric acid-related conditions like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, gastroduodenal ulcers, and Helicobacter pylori infections. Despite their effectiveness, PPIs are often prescribed for conditions without a proven link to gastric acid, such as dyspepsia and upper abdominal discomfort. Long-term use of PPIs has raised safety concerns, including risks of vitamin and mineral malabsorption, pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections, and dementia. This Mistakes In article addresses nine common mistakes in PPI use and aims to clarify misconceptions about their use.

Diarrhoea, acute or chronic, is a common gastrointestinal symptom in healthcare. In most cases, acute diarrhoea in healthy individuals requires limited diagnostic and therapeutic efforts, except for the replacement of fluid electrolytes, and stool culture in severe occurrences. Acute diarrhoea is often self-limiting due to short-lived reactions to food intake and bacterial or viral infections. However, diarrhoea can persist and fulfil definitions of chronicity when a month or more has passed since the onset. Here we discuss some basic mistakes that should be avoided when managing unexplained non-bloody diarrhoea that persists beyond the acute setting. In this context, the term 'unexplained' refers to a patient without apparent alarm features and where initial consultations have failed at making a diagnosis. We used an evidence-based approach and included aspects predominantly based on clinical experience when appropriate.