Indigestion drugs can repeat pain

HEARTBURN drugs taken by millions of people could actually be contributing to symptoms of indigestion, research suggests.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIS) are the most prescribed class of medication in the world. But when taken for a number of years, these powerful drugs that block the production of key stomach acid, may lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can cause excessive gas and bloating.

People with persistent indigestion are often prescribed Ppis.when these fail to work, as is the case in up to 30 per cent of patients, they may be referred for surgery.

More than 30,000 anti-reflux operations were carried out in England over the last five years.

Nick Boyle, a consultant of Refluxuk at Lister Hospital, London, who led the study, said: “Up to 60 per cent of patients that have traditional anti-reflux surgery will have persistent bloating and wind problems subsequently, and nobody has ever really known why.we think it’s because some have developed SIBO and that PPIS may well be a contributory factor in its development.

“PPIS can be a really effective treatment. The problem is there are too many people taking them who shouldn’t be taking them.”

Dr Anthony Hobson, of the Functional Gut Clinic, added that people should focus on lifestyle changes and consider the consequences of over-indulging before rushing into surgery.

He said: “Perhaps you shouldn’t drink a bottle of Prosecco a night. Just like you get a hangover in your head, you can one in your gut.”

The findings were published in the Surgical Endoscopy journal.