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Brits have been warned about overusing PPIs (Image: Getty)
A doctor people taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole for ailments including heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion need to be careful. Across the UK, a quarter of adults are affected by acid reflux.
Individuals using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, for conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion should exercise caution, according to medical professionals. In the UK, acid reflux affects roughly one-quarter of the adult population.
For those experiencing ongoing symptoms, healthcare providers may recommend PPIs like omeprazole to ease discomfort. However, Dr. Punam Krishan emphasizes the importance of vigilance for those on such medications, particularly over prolonged durations, and underscores the necessity of regular medical evaluations.
Dr. Krishan, who serves as an NHS GP and is also the resident doctor on BBC’s Morning Live, advises patients on the complexities of acid reflux. She explains, “Acid reflux is linked to stomach activity. The stomach naturally contains acid, which plays a crucial role in breaking down and digesting food. A small valve, the sphincter, is located at the top of the stomach and functions like a trapdoor. It seals the stomach’s contents, preventing acid from moving back up the esophagus.”
She continues, “However, if this sphincter becomes too relaxed—perhaps due to factors like heavy meals, alcohol consumption, or lying down shortly after eating—it may allow stomach acid to travel back up the esophagus, leading to the burning sensation many people experience.”
PPIs aren’t intended to be used over a long period of time (Image: Getty)
“If you’ve had alcohol, if you lie down straight after having a heavy meal, that can actually mean that that acid from the stomach can end up creeping back up the food pipe and cause that heavy pressured burning sensation that people get.”
Dr Krishan explained that there are various treatments available, but for more persistent discomfort, she noted that doctors often prescribe proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs for short, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole.
Dr. Krishan points out that while there are several treatments available, doctors often prescribe proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, for those with persistent discomfort. She advises that patients stay informed and maintain regular consultations with their healthcare providers to manage their condition effectively.
“And that’s because if used over a long period of time, they can slightly increase your risk of things like low magnesium, low vitamin B12, but also increase the risk of gut infections, particularly Clostridioides difficile. We call that C. diff for short.”
Emphasising the importance of routine monitoring for long-term PPI users, Dr Krishan continued: “Now, we have this bacteria in our bowel, and it lives in balance.
“However, medications like PPIs can tip that balance. And if you get overgrowth of this bacterium, it can cause persistent diarrhoea. That is a red flag.
“So you do need to speak to your doctor if that is an issue and you suddenly start developing diarrhoea. Or if you’ve got a change in bowel habit, we always say check in with your doctor. Just make sure that you are getting those reviews with your GP.”
If you’re taking omeprazole over the counter, it shouldn’t be used for longer than a fortnight. You should consult a doctor in some circumstances.
For those prescribed omeprazole for extended periods, doctors should carry out regular monitoring. Your GP will arrange a schedule for follow-up consultations tailored to your individual health requirements and risk factors, typically every six to 12 months.
Should your GP recommend taking omeprazole for more than a year, regular reviews become essential to reduce the likelihood of long-term adverse effects.
