Will Taking Antacids For Acid Reflux Lead To Health Problems?

Yes, taking antacids for long periods can cause long-term side effects, although treatment for acid reflux has improved a great deal in recent times.

Acid reflux is the flow of stomach acid back into the esophagus, which is the tube which connects the stomach and throat. When you are afflicted with acid reflux, you can suffer heartburn or perhaps a bitter taste in your mouth. If your only symptom is occasional heartburn there may be no cause for concern as many people suffer from it occasionally after eating or drinking to excess.

This can be managed with lifestyle changes and antacid tablets.

Medical practitioners suggest that you use antacids for only short periods as they have been shown to create health problems following long term use. Magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and aluminum hydroxide which are common ingredients in antacid tablets have been linked to issues including diarrhea, kidney problems and even bone weakness. If your heartburn persists when use of antacids is stopped, it may be an indicator of a more serious problem, so a visit to your doctor is essential as you may have chronic reflux (GERD).

To determine the extent of your problem, an endoscopy will be performed. This is a procedure whereby a flexible tube is inserted into your esophagus and stomach through your mouth, so your doctor can examine the esophageal lining with a camera. Examinations such as these can indicate whether you have Barrett’s esophagus which can be identified by a change in the color and composition of the cells in the lower esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus can be a precursor to esophageal cancer.

If the examination of your esophagus does not indicate a condition such as Barrett’s esophagus you should explore the possibility of treating your reflux condition with natural products. Proton pump inhibitors which block acid production are another option for consideration in your quest to eliminate daily use of antacid tablets.

You should of course be guided by the advice of your doctor to determine the best alternative treatments.