If you use aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs you may face an increased risk of
acid reflux and heartburn, according to the latest research.
The same drugs have been found to increase stomach ulcers and pain when used to treat conditions such as arthritis but this study is the first to investigate if they increase the chance of reflux symptoms.
The study carried out in France surveyed nearly 7,000 adults who were asked about their use of aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs and any experience of GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder) symptoms including heartburn and regurgitation.
Of the participants, 33% reported use of the drugs over the previous three months and 21% experienced reflux symptoms. Analysis of the study revealed the risk of reflux among aspirin and anti-inflammatory drug users was significantly higher than non-users.
Despite the high prevalence of acid reflux symptoms among users of the drugs only 20% had treated their problem with anti-suppressing medications known as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors).
"This observational study has shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or aspirin use is a significant risk factor for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms," writes lead author of the study, Professor Ruszniewski in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
Alternative medicine and complementary therapy has a number of effective and non-drug use methods of dealing with acid reflux. Recommended therapies include: acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexology and nutrition.
The same drugs have been found to increase stomach ulcers and pain when used to treat conditions such as arthritis but this study is the first to investigate if they increase the chance of reflux symptoms.
The study carried out in France surveyed nearly 7,000 adults who were asked about their use of aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs and any experience of GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder) symptoms including heartburn and regurgitation.
Of the participants, 33% reported use of the drugs over the previous three months and 21% experienced reflux symptoms. Analysis of the study revealed the risk of reflux among aspirin and anti-inflammatory drug users was significantly higher than non-users.
Despite the high prevalence of acid reflux symptoms among users of the drugs only 20% had treated their problem with anti-suppressing medications known as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors).
"This observational study has shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or aspirin use is a significant risk factor for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms," writes lead author of the study, Professor Ruszniewski in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.Alternative medicine and complementary therapy has a number of effective and non-drug use methods of dealing with acid reflux. Recommended therapies include: acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexology and nutrition.