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Dr Russ Blog - GERD, PPIs and You
GERD, PPIs and You
Created on 6/18/2010
D writes in that he has been on a PPI for almost 10 years to help control heartburn. The medication has worked, but he recently read some troubling information about the long term use of PPIs and asked about other options.
PPIs, or Proton Pump Inhibitors, are commonly prescribed to help treat a variety of "stomach" problems, especially ulcers and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). People often refer to the symptoms of GERD as "heartburn."
PPIs help to lower acid levels in the stomach and are typically prescribed to limit acid-related damage to the lining of the digestive tract. They are effective and often very important for people with specific digestive disorders.
Most people with such disorders have undergone endoscopy (where you are put to sleep and the doctor looks into your esophagus and stomach, for example). People with mild-to moderate heartburn who don't have significant changes found during endoscopy are often placed on a PPI.
But there's reason to ask your doctor about PPIs if the plan is to use them for a long time.
PPIs decrease stomach acid. Sounds like a good thing, right?
But stomach acid serves a number of purposes - it helps with digestion of food, is necessary for the proper absorption of iron and calcium, and can destroy harmful bacteria tagging along with unclean food. In recent years a growing amount of data suggest that long-term PPI use increases the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
Some experts feel that many, if not most, people with GERD need not be on PPIs for long, if at all. Other treatment options include changing to a healthier anti-inflammatory diet, using the prescription drug carafate, exploring the use of acupuncture, and drinking some ginger tea on a regular basis. HOWEVER, these treatment options may not be options for you at all if your doctor feels you have more than simple GERD.
What to do?
Ask your doctor for their advice, what they would do if they were in your position. Your doctor is your partner in health - they can help take an honest appraisal of your health, including that of your digestive tract, and together you can decide how to use a PPI in the safest way possible, when to stop its use, and whether or not to use it at all.
I hope this helps, D. Be well.
Dr. Russ
** Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. **
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