COULD your heartburn medication be increasing your risk of infectious gastroenteritis?
A study led by the Australian National University based on data from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study found people who take proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) had a 70 per cent increase in the risk of being admitted to hospital with infectious gastoenteritis.
Lead author Dr Yingxi Chen, from the ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, said the research examined data from the study to look at cases of infectious gastroenteritis in Australians aged over 45.
She said the proton pump inhibitors significantly reduced the amount of acid made by the stomach, which increased the risk of infectious gastroenteritis.
Proton pump inhibitors are one of the world's most commonly used gastric acid suppressants, with more than 19 million scripts written in Australia every year.
"There is no doubt that proton pump inhibitors are an effective treatment for reflux and heartburn," Dr Chen said. "However, clinicians and the patients using them should be fully aware of the side effects when considering their use and dosage.
"The elderly and those with chronic bowel problems are most at risk.
"These patients should be having a conversation with their doctor to ensure they are on the right dose and that these drugs are the right fit for them."
The Sax Institute's head of research assets, Dr Martin McNamara, said the findings demonstrated the value of the 45 and Up Study.
"The study is the largest ongoing study of healthy ageing in the southern hemisphere, allowing hundreds of Australia's world-class researchers to investigate big and complex issues and deliver answers in ways that are easily accessible to policymakers," he said.
For more on the 45 and Up Study www.saxinstitute.org.au/our-work/45-up-study/