Reflux medication and IBS

[Weetabixfan]

I have to take the reflux medication - I am currently on esomeprazole. I have also tried other. I am on reflux medication for life due to having Barretts oesophagus. I have been told there is no link to taking this and my stomach/ IBS/ wind issues by several different.medical staff. I am not completely convinced by this. Any one any thoughts / experiences.on this ? Thanks

[Fibro2021]

Have you determined the acidity in the stomach during fibrogastroscopy? By itself, reflux can be both with increased and with reduced acidity in the stomach. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors can lead to an even greater decrease in acid production in the stomach, which disrupts protein digestion and develops small intestine bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO).

[jardinamour]

Hi, Using use of proton pump inhibitors for a long time can lead to fundic polyps which can mean you become vit B12 deficiency.

[Booth29]

I take esomeprazole for reflux and have done for a number of years, and like you will need to continue due to hiatus hernia. I think like you it causes bowel problems, it does say these can be side effects, but also like you no one medical has ever said that. I try not to worry about long term side effects, not easy as I do have fundic polyps, but not taking them isn’t an option, so what can you do.

[Weetabixfan in reply to Booth29]

Yes that is all very true. I definitely think my 'IBS ' symptoms have a link. But like you say we have know choice but to take.

[FeistyGirl in reply to Booth29]

I too have been in Esomeprazole for a number of years (and other PPI’s prior to this). I’ve got an increasing amount of fundic polyps which my GI consultant shows no concern about but they freak me out. I’ve read that they can reduce if you stop taking PPIs but this really isn’t an option for me. What advice/reassurance gave you been given regarding fundic ulcers?

[Harold2 in reply to FeistyGirl]

Also can decrease your bone density i have been on Esomeprazole for nearly 20 years and i now have osteoporosis and dont want to take medication for it to many side effects

[FeistyGirl in reply to Harold2]

Yes sadly this another possible side effect. I have a strong history of severe osteoporosis in my family and have just started medication for it which I’m not happy about but not taking it comes with worse outcomes.