In a new study, researchers found that stomach-protecting drugs (especially so-called proton pump inhibitors or PPIs) can intensify or even trigger allergies in patients.
The risk of an allergic reaction to allergens that requires anti-allergy treatment is doubled or even tripled.
The research was conducted by MedUni Vienna in collaboration with the Austrian Social Insurance Institutions.
Stomach-protecting drugs are widely used. Gastric acid inhibitors can reduce the production of gastric acid, relieve heartburn and promote healing of any damaged gastric mucosa.
They are frequently prescribed in support of drug therapies to prevent stomach problems or to counteract bloating.
They are often the drug of choice for stress responses leading to reflux (heartburn).
In the new study, the team analyzed prescriptions of anti-allergy medication (antihistamines, allergen immunotherapies) to people who had previously had prescriptions for stomach protectors from the years 2009 to 2013.
They found a correlation between taking stomach protectors, especially from the family of proton pump inhibitors, and the subsequent prescription of anti-allergy drugs.
The correlation was striking because people who take stomach-protecting medication such as PPIs double or even triple their risk of developing allergic symptoms that require treatment
The team says gastric acid fulfills an important function in the digestive tract.
The acid-dependent enzymes contained in it break down proteins in the food and take them for further processing. It also acts as a barrier against bacteria and other pathogens.
If these functions are diminished because of inhibited gastric acid production, allergens can find their way into the gut unprocessed.
This can trigger allergies or aggravate the symptoms of people with pre-existing allergies.
The researchers say that the so-called ‘stomach protectors’ should not be used for any longer than necessary.
They prevent protein digestion, change the microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract and increase the risk of allergic reactions.
As soon as they have fulfilled their prescribed medical function, they should be stopped as quickly as possible.
The lead author of the study is Galateja Jordakieva.
The study is published in Nature Communications.
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