DEAR DR. ROACH: You wrote about PPIs like Prilosec, which I took efficiently for over 10 years to combat a extreme case of GERD with a small hiatus hernia.
Nonetheless, what’s your tackle my long run use (which has been an actual lifeline) and primarily persevering with it perpetually? My gastro-specialist appears to take a “maintain taking it” perspective resulting from its success, however aren’t there potential drawbacks, particularly for kidney operate? Is switching to an H2 blocker like Pepcid or Tagamet simpler for the kidneys? – Ok J
ANSWER: All medication have uncomfortable side effects, and it’s value reviewing periodically the dangers and advantages of taking a drug for the long run. You already know the profit: a fantastic enchancment in your high quality of life. In opposition to this, there are a number of potential dangers.
The obvious threat might be an infection. Not having the ability to produce abdomen acid places an individual in danger for Clostridium difficile an infection (extreme diarrhea) and different infections, presumably together with pneumonia. Malabsorption of vitamins, particularly magnesium and vitamin B12, is so frequent that testing could also be applicable in folks taking long-term PPIs. Calcium will also be affected, probably growing the chance of osteoporosis. It additionally deserves screening in applicable at-risk people.
The affiliation between power kidney illness and long-term use of PPIs is controversial and doubtless weak. Nonetheless, periodic monitoring of kidney operate is smart. The proof for a slight enhance within the threat of dementia is weak.
With all of those dangers, my desire for long-term PPI sufferers is to attempt to slowly withdraw them from the drug and substitute it with an H2 blocker, as you recommend. It is efficient for a lot of, however some folks really want a day by day PPI so they do not have vital day by day signs. It is dependent upon the individual, however the threat of significant uncomfortable side effects is low sufficient that the profit outweighs the bulk.
DEAR DR. ROACH: After my spouse and I get each COVID-19 pictures, can we resume our gymnasium courses and return to the restaurant? We’re each in good well being. She is 68 and I’m 70. – GG
ANSWER: Not instantly. The vaccine is given in two doses, three or 4 weeks aside, and most safety isn’t achieved for about two weeks after the second dose. Even then, the safety isn’t good: 94% to 95% in accordance with the very best research for at present accessible vaccines. As a result of transmission stays rampant in all components of the nation, it’s safer for you and your spouse to proceed to distance your self socially and put on masks. That is particularly vital for folks at excessive threat for issues.
Second, whereas the vaccine is great at lowering the chance of growing symptomatic COVID-19 an infection, it isn’t clear whether or not it stops asymptomatic infections. Individuals who have been vaccinated could also be quickly infectious after being uncovered, by no means understanding that they might unfold the virus. Till it’s recognized for certain that this isn’t the case, it’s safer for others than you and your spouse, and all of us who’ve been vaccinated, to proceed carrying masks and strolling away. socially.
It is disappointing that we won’t instantly return to our lives earlier than the pandemic begins, however the vaccine is just a part of the answer. We can not surrender the remainder of the behaviors we have to proceed to cease the pandemic.
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Dr Roach regrets not having the ability to reply to particular person letters, however will incorporate them into the column each time potential. Readers can ship inquiries to [email protected] or ship mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.

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