(Source: Thinkstock Images)People using gastric acid suppression medications may be at a higher risk of bacterium infection that can cause diseases ranging from diarrhoea to life-threatening colon inflammation, researchers, including one of Indian-origin, warned. ALSO READ | Gastric bariatric surgery may help diabetics, shows studyThe findings suggest that patients who previously had a case of C-diff and receive gastric acid suppressants may be at increased risk of C-diff recurrence. The researchers analysed gastric suppression medications including proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, and histamine 2 blockers, such as ranitidine, which are commonly prescribed and consumed over-the-counter medications for gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease or dyspepsia. The results showed that the rate of recurrent C-diff in patients with gastric suppression was 22.1 per cent, compared to 17.3 per cent in patients without gastric acid suppression. Thus, “it may be reasonable to re-evaluate the need for these medications in patients with C-diff,” Khanna noted.

Source: Indian Express March 28, 2017 10:50 UTC