Also medicines can cause heartburn

Medicines can cause heartburn

01/14/2015

Millions of people suffer from heartburn. Often the unpleasant burning sensation in the throat and the acid regurgitation are triggered by rich fat meals, smoking or stress. But certain medications can be the cause of heartburn.

Heartburn triggered by reflux
Millions of people in this country suffer from heartburn, which is often triggered by the so-called reflux disease (also known as reflux). The German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) also points out in its updated guideline "Gastroesophageal reflux disease" that heartburn, burning in the throat and acid regurgitation are possible signs of a reflux disease. Accordingly, for the unpleasant acid transfer especially drugs in question.

Various medications can cause heartburn
Patients should be examined by the gastroenterologist, as the reflux disease can damage the esophagus and even cause cancer. "The main cause of the symptoms may be medications that relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, thereby favoring the return of gastric acid to the esophagus," said Professor Dr. med. med. Stephan Miehlke from the gastrointestinal center in Hamburg-Eppendorf. The expert was instrumental in the preparation of the DGVS guideline. For example, drugs for the treatment of hypertension, coronary heart disease, asthma, urinary incontinence and estrogen preparations for hormone therapy and psychotropic drugs with anxiolytic effect.

For some medicines there are better alternatives
In addition, some painkillers and rheumatism drugs as well as drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis, iron deficiency and some antibiotics sometimes cause heartburn. "Certain painkillers in particular, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs for short, can also cause inflammation in the esophagus," Miehlke explained. It is important that both the doctor and the patient have an idea of ​​what the patient is using. The expert continued, "Of course, medicines prescribed by the doctor should not simply be discontinued. But for one or the other drug there are better tolerated alternatives. "

At first signs to the doctor
When the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus causes disturbing symptoms and also complications, medics talk about a reflux disease. Patients should consult a doctor at first sign. "The disease should be treated if the symptoms appear once or twice a week and the patient feels impaired in their quality of life," said Guideline Coordinator Professor Dr. med. Wolfgang Schepp, Chief Physician of the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Gastroenterological Oncology at the Klinikum Bogenhausen in Munich.

Treatment with drugs
The disease is usually with the help of drugs that inhibit acid production in the stomach - called proton pump inhibitors - effective to treat. However, several studies indicate that this form of therapy is often ineffective in some patients. If the reflux symptoms persist for several years, a gastroenterologist should examine the esophageal mucosa using an endoscope, it says in the guideline. The doctor can detect tissue changes such as the so-called "Barrett's esophagus" (endobrachy esophagus), which is considered a precancer and should be treated early.

Improvement by changing the lifestyle
Sometimes changes in lifestyle and everyday life can improve, especially in people who are overweight or obese. "Overweight patients often lose weight and those who can not tolerate certain foods and drinks can try to do without them," says Schepp. In addition, patients with nocturnal complaints should refrain from late meals and raise the head of the bed. The expert advises against sleeping pills, because sometimes they also increase the symptoms. Since stress can also cause heartburn, relaxation exercises such as yoga, as a preventive measure of stress relief. Other home remedies for heartburn are methods of digestion, for example, by the extensive chewing of food ("fletching"). (Ad)