Dyspepsia Patient Education

• There is no clear evidence of specific association between lifestyle factors and dyspepsia, but some individuals may be helped by these measures  
• Advise patients to avoid known precipitants that they associate with dyspeptic symptoms eg alcohol, coffee, chocolate and fatty foods
  
  • Alcohol, coffee, and chocolate have pharmacological effects that may reduce the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
  • Fatty foods delay gastric emptying time which may also predispose to GERD

• Encourage patient to stop smoking
  
  • Smoking has pharmacological effects that may reduce the tone of the LES

• Weight reduction for overweight and obese patients
  
  • Obesity may disrupt the LES due to mechanical pressure on the diaphragm

• May suggest having a main meal well before going to bed (preferably 3 hours before)

• Some patients may benefit from raising the head when sleeping
  
  • Lying flat may increase reflux episodes since gravity does not prevent acid regurgitation

Other Considerations

• If there is concurrent use of NSAIDs, evaluate for risk of GI complications and consider alternative strategies if risk is a concern, eg use of enteric-coated NSAIDs 
  
  • Please see Peptic Ulcer Disease disease management chart for further information