Popular Acid Reflux Medications May Be Unsafe

Just about everyone experiences occasional incidences of heartburn, but for some, acid reflux has become a chronic condition. Doctors may prescribe popular medications like Nexium, or patients may pick over-the-counter Prilosec as their solution. But there are some in the medical community that don't see these medications as good for your health, particularly if they are used long-term.

Prilosec, Nexium, and other acid reflux prescriptions like Prevacid, are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs work by blocking the production of stomach acid. If not enough acid is produced, bad bacteria may flourish in the intestines. This can lead to a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea. Most people use PPIs for years, and this long-term use can even weaken hip bones, leading to fractures particularly in those over the age of 50. A University of Pennsylvania study released in 2006 found that older patients who took PPIs for more than a year had a 44% increased risk for fractures. Patients who took high doses of the PPI acid reflux medications over a long period of time were over two and a half times more likely to suffer a hip fracture than those not taking the drugs.

Research is also being done to investigate if these drugs increase the risks of esophageal and stomach cancers. One study done by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm found that when proton pump inhibitors were used to treat peptic ulcers or indigestion, there was no increase in cancer risk. However, the study has been criticized for being too short to truly evaluate the connection. It lasted seven years, and some in the researchers believe that since cancer usually develops slowly, the study should have lasted at least a decade or two.

If acid reflux goes untreated, major health problems can develop. Erosive esophagus occurs when stomach acid continually goes up into the esophagus. You may feel intense burning, and if not treated it can be too painful to eat or even drink. Barrett's Esophagus is another consequence of untreated acid reflux; in this condition, the esophageal lining is so damaged that it resembles the lining of the small intestine. Barrett's Esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer. If you are taking proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec and Nexium, talk to your doctor about evaluating the risks associated with both acid reflux and the treatment you are using. The best way to control acid reflux is a healthy lifestyle and avoiding foods that you know trigger attacks.