As the prevalence of acid reflux continues to rise due to obesity and sedentary lifestyles, a growing body of evidence suggests the long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to treat this condition, may have serious side effects.
This revelation sparked a debate on whether surgical intervention could be a more effective solution.
Recent research involving six U.S. universities analyzed data from over 5,700 individuals from the late 1980s onwards. The study found prolonged use of PPI drugs for more than 4.4 years was associated with an increased incidence of dementia in individuals over 45.
Chris Sutton, clinical director of upper gastrointestinal surgery at Leicester Royal Infirmary, explains that PPIs are believed to interfere with beta-amyloid, a type of protein associated with dementia.
Acid reflux pills linked to side-effects… but is surgery the answer? https://t.co/1c4wKatNBt via @MailOnline
— greysunshelbyryanconroy (@ghwbjfkmlkrfk) September 18, 2023
Furthermore, PPIs have been linked to reduced absorption of vitamins and minerals from diet, potentially leading to osteoporosis.
They also allow the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive system, which would normally be killed by stomach acid. Despite these concerns, some UK experts argue that the benefits of PPIs far outweigh any potential harm.
However, as the number of people suffering from acid reflux continues to rise, largely due to obesity and lack of exercise, there is a growing demand for surgical interventions.
One such patient, Bradley Phelps, a retired gardener from Leicester, had been living with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) since his mid-50s. His condition had deteriorated to the point where eating anything more than small amounts of bland food was excruciating.
Bradley underwent a new surgical approach using a device called RefluxStop. This procedure involves creating a small pouch at the junction where the esophagus joins the stomach and inserting a ceramic ball, which acts as a one-way valve.
This innovative procedure allowed Bradley to return to a normal diet within a week of the operation.
Doctors ignore and misdiagnose women. I was given pills for anxiety when I actually had acid reflux. The pills caused severe emotional side effects. On my own I discovered what foods I could not eat and problem solved. Ignored symptoms and misdiagnosis made me anxious.
— May 🌻🇺🇦 (@clarnt) May 4, 2023
However, not all medical professionals are convinced about the effectiveness of this new approach.
Professor Underwood from Southampton University argues there is insufficient data on the success of RefluxStop and recommends that it should only be used within a clinical trial setting.
While PPIs have been a common treatment for acid reflux, their long-term use has been linked to serious side effects. As the prevalence of acid reflux continues to rise, surgical interventions like the RefluxStop procedure may offer a promising alternative.
However, more research is needed to validate the effectiveness and safety of these surgical procedures. Until then, patients and healthcare providers must weigh the benefits and risks of each treatment option carefully.
