Khaberni - A recent medical study has warned that excessive consumption of heartburn medications without medical supervision can lead to disturbances in the balance of gut bacteria, necessitating caution and continuous monitoring of health.
Dr. Alexander Ivanov, Associate Professor in the Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Pirogov Medical University, explained that long-term use of heartburn medications can cause imbalances in normal gut bacteria. He indicated that the continuous feeling of heartburn over a prolonged period is a prominent sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, while symptoms in other acidity-related diseases are intermittent and worsen during flare-ups.
Ivanov pointed out that proton pump inhibitors are commonly used to treat heartburn due to their effectiveness in reducing stomach acid secretion, but they can cause side effects if taken over long periods. These include an increased likelihood of Clostridioides difficile colonization in the intestines due to reduced hydrochloric acid, which plays a key role in preventing the proliferation of these bacteria within the digestive system.
The doctor stressed the necessity of prescribing anti-secretory medications under specialized medical supervision and close monitoring of the condition, noting that some patients might need antibacterial drug treatment courses if a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome appears during prolonged treatment.
He added that occasional recourse to antacids, along with adhering to a healthy and balanced diet, could be an effective option for alleviating symptoms without the need for continuous reliance on strong medications.
Dr. Ivanov concluded his warning by emphasizing that prolonged heartburn without proper diagnosis or treatment, or relying only on self-medication, can lead to serious complications that threaten the health of the digestive system in the long run.
