Long-term PPI use for Treating Heartburn

Posted by Refluxmd on February 19th, 2018

Proton pump inhibitors or PPI are drugs that are used to control and lessen the amount of acids made in the stomach. It is the reason; they are used to calm the symptoms of heartburn and treat Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD). Moreover, they are used to treat peptic ulcers found in the lining of stomach and intestine. Usually, PPI is considered ideal for acid-related disorders as it is very efficient and have rare or little side-effects in short-term use. However, long-term PPI use is concerning as numerous health problems are associated with it. This article demonstrates the permissible use of PPI for treating heartburn and highlights the ill-effects of its long-term use.

How to Treat Heartburn with PPI

PPI is the first choice of doctors in the treatment of GERD and peptic ulcers because of their low toxicity and excellent efficacy. In 2003, PPI got the approved as the OTC product that could be used as an alternative to antacids and H2-receptor antagonists for self-medication to cure heartburn. Primarily, PPI blocks the terminal pathway that stimulates gastric acid release, thereby, restricting the entry of acids into the esophagus and throat. Precisely, this drug is beneficial when used under doctor’s supervision.

Long-Term PPI Use

Excess use of anything is always harmful. The same applies to PPI use. Long-term PPI use has potential adverse effects, such as hypergastrinemia, development of pneumonia, dementia, and much more. Listed below is the detailed description of potential risks of long-term PPI use.

1.        Infections
2.        Excessive use of PPI triggers the growth bacteria in intestine making an individual vulnerable to Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
3.       PPI makes an individual susceptible to Non-typhoidal Salmonella and Campylobacter that causes gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
4.        Clostridium difficile infection (also known as C. diff) causes severe inflammation of the large intestine. 
5.       Pneumonia is a lung infection due to bacteria, viruses or breathing toxic fumes.
6.        Micronutrient Deficiency: Long-term PPI use leads to the deficiency of calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B12.
7.        Kidney Disease: Too much use of PPI increases the chances of chronic kidney disease.
8.        Osteoporosis: PPI interferes with the absorption of calcium which increases the risk of osteoporosis.
9.        Renal disease: PPI is suspected to cause renal damage, particularly among older patients.
10.        Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN): Reports reveal that excessive use of PPI leads to the development of AIN which is a humoral and cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.
11.        Hypomagnesemia and QT Prolongation: This disease rarely occurs with prolonged usage of PPI and is usually accompanied by hypokalemia and hypocalcemia.
12.        Dementia: Long-term PPI use is associated with cognitive decline which increases the chances of Dementia.

Extreme of anything is always dangerous, and when we are dealing with drugs, the situation gets worsened. But whenever the question arises about how to treat heartburn, the first solution that comes to mind is PPI. Undoubtedly, PPI relieves the burning pain of heartburn and is very useful for the GERD treatment. But, long-term PPI use adversely affects the health of an individual. So, it is crucial that we carefully select our medication under the supervision of doctors to avoid complication.

Author Bio:

RefluxMD provides an overview of all reflux treatment. If you are looking for How To Treat Heartburn get in touch with us so that we can guide you based on the Acid Reflux Remedies.

Original source: https://sites.google.com/site/refluxmdguide/long-term-ppi-use-for-treating-heartburn