Stomach acid blockers promote infections
Luise Heine has been an editor at since 2012. The qualified biologist studied in Regensburg and Brisbane (Australia) and gained experience as a journalist in television, in the Ratgeber-Verlag and in a print magazine. In addition to her work at , she also writes for children, for example for the Stuttgarter Kinderzeitung, and has her own breakfast blog, “Kuchen zum Frühstück”.
More posts by Luise Heine All content is checked by medical journalists.Heartburn or Stomach Pain? Many people quickly resort to acid blockers to relieve their symptoms. But the drugs not only reduce the unpleasant burning sensation, but also the natural acid protection of the stomach. The result: pathogens have an easier game.
Acid blockers are a popular way to get rid of the annoying heartburn. Only gradually do studies show that careless use of the medication is not a good idea. Increased risk of heart attack or strokes are just two examples of the possible consequences of using acid blockers on a long-term basis. Now there is another possible side effect: You become more susceptible to bacterial infections of the intestine - Scottish and English researchers have found this out.
Harmful bacteria in the intestines
For their research, they analyzed the data of over 188,000 people who took different types of gastric acid blockers. A further 370,000 subjects who did not take any heartburn medication served as controls. Using stool samples, the scientists examined whether the participants had become infected with harmful bacteria.
For two pathogens in particular, there was an increased risk of infection when acid blockers were swallowed: The probability of a Clostridium difficile infection increased by 1.7 times, with Campylobacter the risk of infection even increased by 3.7 times at. Both germs are known to cause diarrhea and cramps, which they can trigger. Patients who were in the hospital got Clostridium difficile 1.4 times more often and even 4.5 times more often Campylobacter when they took acid blockers.
In the same way, the results of a Danish study published in December 2016 suggest that patients who take acid blockers are also 2.8 times more susceptible to Listeria. These bacteria can be found in foods that have not been heated - for example, in raw milk products or smoked sausage. People with a healthy immune system hardly notice the infection, but in the case of immunocompromised it can even be fatal in extreme cases.
Pay attention to food hygiene
Humans repeatedly ingest harmful germs through their food. Usually these are rendered harmless by the stomach acid. If their production is artificially inhibited, however, it is easier for the bacteria to get from the stomach to the intestines, where they cause discomfort.
"Those who take acid blockers should pay particular attention to food hygiene," advises study author Prof. Thomas MacDonald. Campylobacter is, for example, a pathogen that can be transmitted via raw poultry meat - or its improper handling. This means, for example: two separate cutting boards and knives for processing meat and vegetables should be standard in the kitchen.
Sources:
Wei L. et al .: Acid suppression medications and bacterial gastroenteritis: a population-based cohort study; British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology; DOI: 10.1111 / bcp.13205
Jensen A.K. et al .: Use of proton pump inhibitors and the risk of listeriosis. A nationwide registry-based case-control study; Clinical Infectious Diseases; DOI: 10.1093 / cid / ciw860
