The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

I’m 76, in good health, but suffer acid reflux. I’ve taken prescribed medicine to tackle this for three years and it works. But I’ve read these medications could be linked to premature death.

One study suggested this but it was felt that more research was needed.

The drug you have been prescribed is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and these of drugs treat acid reflux very effectively.

Long-term use of PPIS can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures and also of acquiring Clostridium difficile, a bacteria that causes severe diarrhoea and community acquired pneumonia. Other potential risks include Vitamin B12 or magnesium deficiency.

PPIS are also used routinely to protect the gut in patients over the age of 60 who have to take antiinflammatory drugs; so there is a place for them.

Previously I might have advised that you might try the drug Ranitidine but it is no longer available.

You should discuss your concerns with your doctor and decide whether the benefits of being on the PPI you have outweigh the risks.

I have always had a wart under my left breast which is dark, but now notice similar brown marks under the other one.

This sound like harmless growths known as seborrhoeic keratosis, raised black/brown marks that have a wart-like appearance. They can pop up on the trunk and under the breast as people get older and have the appearance of being stuck-on and separate from the surrounding skin.

However, you should have them checked by your doctor.

My baby is due her first injection but I’m still nervous about the risk from Covid-19.

It is more dangerous NOT to take your baby for her vaccinations.

Immunisations protect children against many serious illnesses and to be protected it is important that children get their immunisations on time.

Some vaccine prevented diseases are much more dangerous to children than Covid-19, for example measles, so timely vaccination is still very important.

The Doc Replies

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