Stomach Acid and Heartburn Drugs Linked With COVID-19 Outcomes

Acid Reflux Specialist Los Angeles Agrees That Stomach Acid and Heartburn Drugs Could Influence COVID-19 Outcomes

If you struggle with heartburn, otherwise known as acid indigestion, you can take comfort in knowing that you are not alone.  According to a study published in the Washington Post, some 60 million Americans experience some form of heartburn at least once per month.  And about 15 million struggle with it daily. In short, heartburn is a byproduct of acid reflux, a condition whereby acids in the stomach move back into the esophagus.  For context, the esophagus is a tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach.  More often than not, acid reflux and the resulting heartburn that follows stems from consuming certain foods.  Studies show that spicy and fatty foods, citrus fruit, chocolate, peppermint, and alcohol can all trigger varying degrees of heartburn in some people.

Head and Neck Doctors in Los Angeles Discuss Common Heartburn Symptoms

According to multiple head and neck doctors in Los Angeles, heartburn typically starts with a burning sensation that begins in the upper abdomen and gradually moves up toward the chest before settling behind the breastbone.  In some cases, this burning sensation might be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth as well.  Generally speaking, these symptoms tend to become worse when individuals are bending over or lying down, according to practitioners with several prominent acid reflux specialists Los Angeles.  To combat these symptoms, many individuals turn to prescription-based stomach acid and heartburn drugs.  And while they do provide significant symptom relief, emerging data is suggesting that they may trigger other health problems in the process.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Doctor Los Angeles Detail How Stomach Acid and Heartburn Drugs Could Compromise Your Health

Many physicians with laryngopharyngeal reflux doctor Los Angeles group medical practices are advising patients of a possible link between COVID-19 and stomach acid and heartburn drugs. For those not aware, COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a virus that attacks the respiratory system and triggers an array of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fever, nausea, vomiting, and much more. In severe cases, the virus may even be fatal, especially among those taking stomach acid or heartburn drugs to relieve heartburn, say several esteemed physicians with laryngopharyngeal reflux doctor Los Angeles group medical practices.

The same was also noted in a study published by medRxiv.org, an online resource for unpublished eprints about health sciences.  According to the study, which included 1,300 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, researchers found that those who took Prilosec, a medication often prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, esophageal damage, and stomach ulcers, were two-to-three times more likely to die from symptoms brought on by COVID.  And Prilosec was not the only medication that had the potential of influencing this negative outcome. Researchers conclude that other proton-pump inhibitors, such as Nexium and Prevacid, for example, could also worsen COVID symptoms and lead to a higher risk of death.

The same researchers involved in the study found that proton-pump inhibitors can potentially weaken the gastric barrier that would otherwise protect against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID. And this is because, while they do provide relief from heartburn and GERD, these medications can reduce microbial diversity in the gut. This combination of events not only increases the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 but also intensifies symptoms.

Bottom Line

Despite the newly discovered relationship between proton-pump inhibitors and COVID-19, most physicians with acid reflux doctor Los Angeles group medical practices still encourage patients to take these medications as prescribed as they can significantly relieve GERD and heartburn symptoms. And many physicians with gastroesophageal reflux doctor Los Angeles group medical practices are also recommending the same. However, all of these practitioners agree that patients should be mindful of the risk associated with taking such medications and should follow the recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protecting themselves against COVID. That said, individuals who start to experience COVID-19 symptoms while taking these medications are encouraged to contact an acid reflux doctor Los Angeles group medical practice or a COVID-19 testing facility as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing any acid reflux discomfort or pain, contact our ENT doctor Los Angeles today!