Kidney health and heartburn: Common medications for ‘regular’ issues that can lead to kidney failure

Many individuals struggle with heartburn on a regular basis. Patients often use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers, to eliminate chest and stomach burning symptoms. The medications decrease stomach acid production, to provide fast relief to patients. However, the prolonged use of certain popular heartburn medications, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has sparked new studies which show potential damage to the kidneys. Let's dig deeper...What are proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockersThe treatment of heartburn, acid reflux and ulcers, requires proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers as primary medications. PPIs consist of well-known brands including Prilosec and Nexium, alongside Prevacid and Protonix, while H2 blockers contain Pepcid and Zantac. The stomach acid production mechanism of PPIs relies on stomach pump blockade, but H2 blockers function through histamine receptor blockade.The medication class of PPIs provides more powerful acid suppression, for treating both severe and extended heartburn cases. The medicines serve millions of patients across the globe on a daily basis. People commonly take these medications due to their effectiveness and over-the-counter availability, which leads them to use them for periods spanning weeks to years.Can cause damage to KidneysSeveral research studies during recent years, have indicated a possible connection between long-term PPI medication use, and kidney health complications. Research conducted by Karolinska Institutet along with other scientists in 2017, demonstrated that PPI medication users developed chronic kidney disease at a rate 26% higher than users of H2 blockers. Higher doses of PPIs directly increased the risk of adverse effects.Moreover, The Washington University School of Medicine tracked more than 125,000 patients, to show that PPI medication use can cause hidden kidney damage which develops gradually throughout years. The highest risks occurred among people aged 65 years, and above. A pharmacy journal analysis confirmed that PPIs cause both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, according to a complete research study.How do they cause kidney damageSeveral mechanisms explain how PPIs impact kidney function. PPIs lead to interstitial nephritis, which creates inflammation in the kidneys and results in permanent damage to kidney tissue. This occurs because PPIs affect the essential minerals and electrolytes needed for proper kidney operation. Research indicates that extended PPI medication use disrupts normal kidney cell processes, which results in a gradual decline of kidney function.The development of kidney damage through PPI medication usage becomes noticeable only after the condition has progressed to a severe stage. Routine blood and urine tests become the only way for patients to detect declining kidney function, because there are no apparent initial symptoms.What can patients and doctors doMedical experts recommend doctors to assess carefully the advantages against possible dangers, before giving patients PPI prescriptions, particularly when patients need long-term treatment. Many people continue taking PPI medications beyond their necessary duration, or without medical justification. Medical experts state that patients should use the lowest required dose for the brief necessary treatment period.Patients need to consult their doctors before ending their PPI treatment, and to discuss possible dose modifications or alternative treatments. Patients who have kidney issues, diabetes or high blood pressure should consider getting regular checks of their kidney function.Doctors sometimes recommend PPI users to try H2 blockers instead, since these medications have demonstrated lower kidney damage risks while patients can try less severe treatments, along with dietary modifications for heartburn management.Reference Studies and LinksKarolinska Institutet Study - Heartburn medicine can increase risk of kidney disease:https://news.ki.se/heartburn-medicine-can-increase-risk-of-kidney-diseaseWashington University School of Medicine Study - Popular heartburn drugs linked to gradual kidney damage:https://medicine.washu.edu/news/popular-heartburn-drugs-linked-gradual-yet-silent-kidney-damage/Kidney International Study - Prolonged heartburn medicine use may cause kidney failure:https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/popular-heartburn-medicines-linked-to-kidney-damage-57210University at Buffalo Study - Heartburn medications increase risk of kidney disease:https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2019/03/heartburn-meds-kidney-disease.htmlNPR Health Report - Popular acid reflux drugs linked to kidney disease risk:https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/01/11/462423759/popular-acid-reflux-drugs-are-linked-to-kidney-disease-riskDisclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice