By Dr. Kyaw Nyunt (Robert Koe, Florida, USA)

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which suppress stomach acid is used long term by many without knowing the detrimental side effects.

The only condition that needs long term is Barrett’s esophagus proven by biopsy.

Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole are some of those drugs.

The popular ones are Prilosec and Nexium and people can buy without prescription.

Doctors don’t discuss about side effects.

Hazards

1. Pneumonia.

2. Clostridium difficile colitis because stomach acid is needed for protection.

3. Kidney failure. Interstitial nephritis.

4. Heart. Patients taking Clopidogrel after the heart attack will have risk of another one because PPIs reduce the effects of Clopidogrel.

5. Gut bacteria overgrowth leading to irritable bowel.

6. Hip fracture due to interference of calcium absorption.

7. Malabsorption. Iron, B12, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and will lead to iron and B12 deficiency anemia.

8. Bacterial Gastroenteritis caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella.

So you learn about PPIs side effects.

You might not know that reflux is usually caused by esophageal motility problem and incompetent valve at the lower end of esophagus.

Stomach acid production reduces as you grow older and you don’t want to worsen it.

Take care. Thanks.