The Problem With Antacids

Aug. 12, 2008 — -- The medications some heartburn and acid reflux sufferers are using to seek relief may pose a threat to their bones, according to a new study.

Published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the study suggested that seniors who take proton-pump inhibitors such as Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid to fight acid reflux may be at greater risk for bone fractures.

While there was no detectable risk for those who used the drugs for six years of therapy, patients who used them from seven years or longer were 93 percent more likely to suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture.

While some use antacids to deal with their reflux, others are unaware they even have the problem. "Good Morning America" medical editor Dr. Tim Johnson explains the dangers of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, or gastric reflux, and what you can do.

What Is Gastric Reflux? What Is LPR?

The term Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) refers to the backflow of food or stomach acid into the larynx (the voice box) or the pharynx (the throat). LPR can occur during the day or night, even if a person hasn't eaten a thing.

Not everyone with reflux has a lot of heartburn or indigestion. In fact, many people with LPR never have heartburn. This is why LPR is called gastric reflux. Because LPR is gastric, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose.

Why Many People With LPR Don't Have Heartburn?

About half the people who have LPR never have any heartburn at all. This is because the material that backs up does not stay in the esophagus for very long.

In other words, the acid does not have enough time to irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn.

But if even small amounts of refluxed material come all the way up into the throat, other problems can occur. The reason: Compared to the esophagus, the voice box and throat are much more sensitive to injury and irritation from stomach acid. Also, LPR can sometimes affect a person's breathing and lungs.

How Do I Know if I Have LPR?

Chronic hoarseness, throat clearing and cough, as well as a feeling of a lump in the throat or difficulty swallowing, may be signs that you have LPR. Some people have hoarseness that comes and goes, and others have a problem with too much nose and throat drainage.

If you have any of these symptoms, and especially if you smoke, you should ask your doctor about LPR. The specialist who most often treats people with LPR is the otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat Physician).

If your doctor thinks that you could have LPR, he or she will probably perform a throat exam first and look at the voice box and the lower throat. If this area looks swollen and/or red, you probably have LPR. At that point, your doctor may order some tests or recommend specific treatment.

What Tests Might My Doctor Order?

If your doctor orders tests, he or she wants to be sure about the diagnosis, to make sure that you don't have any complications of LPR, and to help pick the best kind of treatment for you.

The two most common tests for LPR are pH monitoring, also called pH-metry, and a barium swallow. These two tests are different, and it is common to have both tests done.

The barium swallow is an X-ray test in which you must swallow chalky material that can be seen on X-rays. This test shows how you swallow and it shows if there is a narrowing or other abnormality of the throat or esophagus. It is a good test to evaluate the entire swallowing mechanism.

What Is It Like to Have pH-Metry?

PH-metry is a special, overnight test that takes about 24 hours to complete. People are not usually admitted to the hospital for this test. It is used to actually measure acid in your esophagus and throat.

Some people say the test is annoying, but it is not painful. To do this test, you will have a small, soft, flexible tube placed through your nose, which stays in your throat overnight. The tube, called a "pH probe," is connected to a small computer (a box that you wear around your waist) that measures acid in your esophagus and in your throat. pH-metry is the best test for LPR, and it can help your doctor determine the best treatment for you.

How Is LPR Treated?

Most people with LPR need to modify how and when they eat, as well as take some medication, to get well. Sometimes, nonprescription liquid antacids, such as Maalox, Gelucil or Mylanta, are recommended. When used, these antacids should be taken four times each day -- one tablespoon an hour after each meal and before bedtime.

Dietary and lifestyle changes alone are not often enough to control LPR -- medications that reduce stomach acid are also usually needed. These must be prescribed by your doctor.

Tips For Reducing Reflux and LPR

Control your lifestyle and your diet.

If you use tobacco, quit.

Smoking makes you reflux. After every cigarette you have some LPR.

Don't wear clothing that is too tight, especially around the waist (trousers, corsets, belts).

Do not lie down just after eating ... in fact, do not eat within three hours of bedtime.

You should be on a low-fat diet.

Limit your intake of red meat.

Limit your intake of butter.

Avoid fried foods.

Avoid chocolate

Avoid cheese.

Avoid eggs.

Specifically avoid caffeine (especially coffee and tea), soda pop (especially cola) and mints.

Avoid alcoholic beverages, particularly in the evening.

Will I Need LPR Treatment Forever?

Most patients with LPR require some treatment most of the time and some people need medicine all of the time. Some people recover completely for months or years and then may have a relapse. In one way, having LPR is a little like having high blood pressure -- with treatment, LPR does not usually cause serious medical problems, but without treatment, LPR can be serious, even dangerous.For people with severe LPR, or people who cannot take reflux medicine, antireflux surgery (to restore a new and better stomach valve) may be recommended. In people who have this surgery, most get good relief from LPR for many years.

What Kind Of Problems Can LPR Cause?

LPR can cause serious problems. LPR can cause noisy breathing, choking episodes, breathing problems (such as asthma or bronchitis), and, very uncommonly, cancer of the esophagus, lung, throat or voice box. (For cancer to develop as a result of LPR, the LPR must be very severe andgo untreated for many years.)

Can Children Get LPR?

Yes, throat and lung breathing problems in infants and children can be caused or worsened by LPR. The problem is more difficult to diagnose in children, so infants and children who may have LPR should be taken to specialists for pH-metry and other tests.