Hyderabad: Stomach problems such as gas, acidity or indigestion have become very common these days among people. Doctors reveal that it is very common for every other person to have stomach problems such as acidity, and so is the usage of antacids to prevent it. Many reasons cause gas or acidity in the stomach such as eating spicy food, eating food that takes time to digest, food allergies, or side effects of a disease or medicine.
The general belief about antacids is that they are safe for health. That's why there is no need for a prescription from a doctor to buy it or to consume it under normal circumstances. But most people do not know that the continuous use of antacids for a long time or their improper use can have adverse effects on health.
Rushel George, a nutritionist and dietician from Mumbai, says that to digest our food, certain types of juices, enzymes, and acids (hydrochloric acid) are formed in our digestive system and help in digestion and absorption of nutrition from diet. If acid is produced in the body in normal circumstances and the required amount, then in most cases, there are no problems like gas or acidity.
But sometimes, due to the consumption of a rich diet, untimely eating, due to effects of illnesses or medicines, or due to any other reason, the production of acid in the digestive system increases, and people experience temporary chest pains. They experience burning sensations in the stomach, formation of gas, sour belching, flatulence, or indigestion. This is a very common problem, and occasionally, antacids can be consumed for it without any medical prescription.
But for some reason, if there is excessive production of acid in the stomach, it can also cause swelling and blisters in the stomach, as well as other serious gastroesophageal problems, stomach ulcers, gastritis or stomach swelling, heartburns, acid reflux, or peptic ulcer and indigestion. In such situations, doctors prescribe antacids to reduce and treat these symptoms.
Antacids work to reduce or deactivate the effects of acid in the stomach and are available in the market in the form of gels, syrups, tablets (edible, soluble), fruit salts, and powders. Antacids are categorised as allopathic medicines and are made from a combination of magnesium, aluminium, calcium, sodium bicarbonate, and some other salts and elements, which help in neutralising the pH level in the digestive system against acid.
Dr Rajesh Sharma, a general physician from Bhopal, says that antacids are generally categorised as some of the safest medicines, but if used regularly for a long time, used improperly, or in combination with certain medicines, it can have adverse effects on health. He clarifies that doctors do not prescribe antacids for long-term use, because it affects the natural functioning of the digestive system. It impacts the formation and reaction of juices necessary for digestion, which can harm the digestive system and the entire body.
He further explains that doctors prescribe antacids only if there is a possibility of an increase in acetic effects with other drugs, and they advise taking antacids only until the problem is resolved. Also, before prescribing antacids, doctors make sure of the combination of medicines they prescribe with it. Since antacids are made from different types of elements and their combinations, some of them can also cause harm when taken with certain medicines.
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Apart from this, those who eat more antacids are also at risk of getting addicted to it. Many of those who regularly consume anti-acid drugs that come under the PPE category, also become addicted to them. He explains that some of the complex disadvantages that come out of taking antacids for a long time and without medical consultation are as follows:
- Taking antacids without medical advice for a long period can affect our digestive system. Due to this, the kidneys can be affected and there can be problems in calcium and vitamin absorption, which can also lead to bone problems, especially osteoporosis.
- By eating more antacids, when the acid in the stomach starts becoming more inactive, it creates a hindrance in digestion. Because of this, if undigested or less food reaches the intestine, it can damage the intestines. In such situations, the risk of autoimmune disease or irritable bowel syndrome can also increase.
- Taking aluminium-induced antacids continuously over a long period can lead to aluminium toxicity in the body.
- Taking more magnesium-rich antacids also affects the kidneys. Due to this, a person may have diarrhoea, the absorption of iron in the body may be affected and due to this the level of haemoglobin in the body may also decrease.
- People taking medicines related to heart disease should not consume antacids containing sodium.
- Long-term use of antacids also increases the risk of fatty liver problems, etc.
Some commonly seen side effects of antacids are as follows:
- Dizziness.
- Breathing problems.
- Body aches such as pain radiating from the arms to the shoulders or jaw, and pain in the neck and back.
- Vomiting or nausea.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhoea.
- Gas.
- Swelling or pain in the legs, etc.
Dr Rajesh explains that in certain conditions and people suffering from certain problems and diseases must consult a doctor before consuming any type of antacid. Pregnant and lactating women, people suffering from any kidney problem, children below the age of 12 years, very elderly people, people suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease, people who have undergone any type of surgery or who have some complicated medicine course should consult a doctor before taking antacids.
He suggests that people should in general stop taking antacids without medical consultation because different types of elements are prominent in different antacids. And taking any antacid might increase problems in people instead of treating them. Antacids can only relieve some of the symptoms of discomfort caused by excess acid production, not cure it completely. Antacids are not the only cure for stomach pains or burning sensations, and it is important to get immediate and proper treatment for such problems. He explains that if the problem of excess gas or acidity in the stomach becomes more troubling, then it is necessary to consult a doctor instead of self-treating.
Some national and international researchers have also discussed the issues caused to excessive antacid consumption. In June 2016, the Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert regarding antacids that contain aspirin. It stated that antacids containing aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding. At the same time, the international regulator USFDA (US Food and Drug Administration) issued an alert after Nitrate Methyl Mine (NDMA) was found in some antacids containing ranitidine due to the possibility of carcinogenic effects. Significantly, NDMA is classified as a probable carcinogen to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
