Nexium Treatment for Acid Reflux Can Be RISKY

Nexium is a prescription medication that is used to treat acid reflux symptoms. Nexium has been launched at 2001 and became the third-largest selling drug worldwide, with sales of over $5.7 billion in 2005. Before, we discuss how Nexium works to treat acid reflux, its potential side effects and the healthier alternative, let’s talk about acid reflux disease in general.

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach - does not close properly, thus letting stomach acids splash back into the esophagus. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, the patient can experience heartburn - the burning sensation in the chest and/or throat. Some patients report a feeling similar of food stuck in the throat, choking or tightness in the throat or a persistent dry cough.

Along with the painful, unpleasant feelings mentioned above, neglected GERD can lead to serious complications. Ceaseless inflammation of the esophagus can cause bleeding or ulcers, whereas scar tissues can narrow the esophagus and make swallowing difficult. Elder acid reflux patients are also prone to Barrett's esophagus, a condition where cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape and color. Over time, this can result in cancer. For this reason, gastroesophageal reflux disease must be properly and quickly diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.

Acid reflux conventional medications that are aimed at treating the condition can be divided into four main categories: antacids, alginates, H2-receptor antagonists and PPI (Proton pump inhibitors). Nexium belongs to the PPIs group, which are aimed at reducing the amount of stomach acid by suppressing the acid producing mechanism in the stomach also known as the proton pump.

Nexium based treatment has three serious downsides:

1.      First of all, by blocking acid production in the stomach Nexium treats the symptoms of GERD and thus works temporarily to relieve the pain. To prevent acid reflux recurrence, one must take the drug daily, which creates lifelong dependency. It is important to note here that GERD is a complex condition, triggered by a set of environmental, lifestyle and dietary factors, and stomach acid is merely a symptom.

2.      Secondly, inhibiting acid production in the stomach can lead to the aggravation of gastroesophageal reflux disease and indigestion in the long run since one of the beneficial functions of the acid in the stomach is to help the body absorb nutrients and defend against candida and parasites.

3.      Thirdly, regular intake of nexium can cause myriads of side effects. While its most common side effects include severe headache and diarrhea, PPIs have also been linked to osteoporosis.

A recent Dutch study that was conducted among 360,000 patients, found that taking nexium could put acid reflux patient at extremely high risk for pneumonia. Robert J.F. Laheij, the head of the research’s team, says that reducing the stomach's germ-killing acids by means of nexium makes the patients more prone to the bacteria that cause pneumonia.

A recent study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that individuals over the age of 50 who received nexium therapy for a year or more had a significant increase in their risk for breaking a hip. Yu-XiaoYang, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the head of the research’s team, states that acid reflux patients should consider lifestyle and dietary modifications as a healthier, safer option. According to Dr. Yang, these means can lessen or even prevent the need for PPIs.