A Warning About Heartburn And Over The Counter Medication

Taking medications to relieve the symptoms of an illness may be the norm for some individuals

. We hate to be dependent on anything to stop our pain, but after a while, we get to a point where it's better to sleep than to stay up all night with a terrible condition like, for example, heartburn. When it comes to gastric distress, doctors say that we might be doing more damage than good with regard to heartburn and over-the-counter medication.

Heartburn is the result of food mixing with stomach acid and some of this mixture flows back into the esophagus causing burning and pain in the chest. If you've ever eaten a meal that was too greasy or spicy and then went to bed right after only to feel a pain in your chest hours later, then you know the condition of heartburn. Other types of food like coffee or chocolate can create heartburn also. Different types food can cause heartburn in different types of people. The thing is to identify your particular food and avoid it. But, armed with one of many over-the counter drugs, we feel like we are well armed.

Proton Pump Inhibitors are one type of drug the people use to deal with the problematic heatburn. They reduce the production of stomach acid so it doesn't go in the esophagus. They are approved by the FDA and can be gotten right over the counter. But all is not good with regard to heartburn and over-the-counter medication as studies are showing that they may be causing other health conditions at the risk of treating heartburn.

Dr. Michael Howell from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston conducted a study to learn the results of long term use of proton pump inhibitors. His conclustions showed that using proton pump inhibitors increased the risk of being exposed to the Clostriduim difficile bacterium. These bacterium are hard to treat, can cause serious diarrhea and have been responsible for numerous deaths.

Proton Pump inhibitors have also been linked to people developing pneumonia and bone breakage.

Doctors agree that about 30 to 40 percents of patients suffering from heartburn really benefit from proton pump inhibitors, but the majority of people taking these powerful drugs do not need them and with them the risk outweighs the benefit.

The biggest way to prevent heartburn symptoms is to identify what causing it and not eat it. Foods that are greasy and spicy, coffee, chocolate and caffeinated and carbonated drinks should be avoided. Eating small meals throughout the day and exercising and overcoming stress can also stop heartburn.

According a major research company, proton pump inhibitors is one of the top selling drugs in the United States. It made in excess of 13 billion dollars for its manufacturers. And of the people who bought it, sixty percent of them didn't need it.

For many people dealing with heartburn and over-the-counter medication issues, it seems like the general rule of thumb is to just buy something quick and easy and not even discuss it with a doctor. Being exposed to so much medicine does help either. Of course, doctor do the same thing: prescribe medication instead of just telling their patients to just modify their eating habits.

by: Alex Henderson

POST COMMENT

What Is Daily Fantasy Sports And Why Is It Growing? Graduation Time Is Here, Hand Out Custom Lapel Pins And Challenge Coins Stress Management With Hand And Foot Reflexology Mikasa Italian Countryside Great Value And Beautiful Ever Considered Online Buy And Sell In The Philippines? A Guide To Sr22 And How To Choose The Best Sr22 Insurance Company Ways To Earn Money While In College And Get A Head Start Make Residual Income Online - The Right Way To Make A Drastic And Positive Change In Your Life Constantly Upgrading Your Website And Contribute More Information And Content Understanding The Periodontal And Systemic Connection Smoothie Recipe For Weight Reduction Effective Diet Plan And Program Myson Towel Warmers: Buy Designer And Classic Towel Warmers Tablet Pcmobile Table And Drop Shipping