Gut professor warns of 'devastating impact' taking acid reflux medication can have

Forget having a bitter taste in your mouth, getting that stingy sour taste after a big yummy meal can feel like an absolute punishment.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels up towards your throat and is typically accompanied by heartburn.

So a lot of people tend to carry medication for it in their bags or wallets ready for any attacks. Pharmacists may recommend the likes of antacids or alginates to help ease symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.

However, it’s thought that a large number of people taking medication for suspected acid reflux do not have the condition.

And a gut professor has therefore warned of the ‘profound effects’ of some drugs on the gut’s microbiome. This comes as a study looked at those with suspected acid reflux.

It's thought roughly six million people may be taking unnecessary meds for their symptoms. (Getty Stock)

It’s thought up to 10 million adults in the UK are taking medication for persistent acid reflux, known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

However, the Functional Gut Clinic’s research has found that 66 percent of those with suspected acid reflux did not have the condition.

It’s believed the majority of those who reckon they have it actually have other conditions such as functional heartburn or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

Over 700 people on meds for acid reflux across six NHS trusts were tested by scientists, finding that only a third actually met the criteria for a diagnosis.

So, if you translate those numbers over, it means that roughly six million people using hem in the UK are taking the drugs unnecessarily and need different treatment.

Roughly five to 10 million people are prescribed acid=blocking drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) when over-the-counter medication and changes to their diet and lifestyle don’t help.

But director of the Functional Gut Clinic, Professor Anthony Hobson, said these have become a ‘patch-over’ for many.

Research found people may be receiving the wrong treatment. (Getty Stock)

However, he warns while they reduce symptoms, PPIs remove 80 percent of stomach acid which may have ‘profound effects’ on the gut’s microbiome and raise the risk of stomach infections for those who don’t have excess acid production.

“Millions of people have these symptoms and the effects they have on quality of life, workplace absenteeism and longevity can be devastating,” he added.

“If you can pinpoint the reasons and get an effective treatment so that reflux is no longer causing symptoms or damage, that can have a huge impact.”

He stressed the importance of making lifestyle changes as the likes of alcohol, being overweight and smoking can cause or worsen acid reflux.

When to see a GP

The NHS says to see a GP if lifestyle changes and medicines from the pharmacy are not helping your symptoms.

It also says this should be done if you experience heartburn most days and if you have other symptoms such as food getting stuck in your throat, frequently being sick, or losing weight for no reason.

“A GP can provide alternative or stronger treatments and help rule out any more serious causes of your symptoms,” the NHS says.

Always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.