790 Heartburn and PPIs

Whether you call it heartburn, sour stomach or indigestion, discomfort caused by acid reflux is distressingly common. Almost 40 percent of all Americans experience heartburn once a month or so, and quite a few experience the unwelcome burning sensation in the chest that signals reflux. What causes acid reflux, and what can be done about it?
PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors, are commonly prescribed to alleviate this problem. In 2009, Americans spent more than $13.6 billion on drugs such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix and Zegerid. What are the pros and cons of using these medications for long periods of time?
Guest: Nicholas Shaheen, MD, MPH, is Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the UNC School of Medicine and UNC School of Public Health, and Director of the UNC Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing. He is currently on the editorial board of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Evidence-Based Gastroenterology.
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