Drugs that protect the stomach can trigger allergies

Medications that protect the stomach are widely used. At present, a study conducted by MedUni Vienna in collaboration with Austrian social insurance organizations, based on quantitative prescription data provided by Austria, has shown that medicines that protect the stomach (especially proton pump inhibitors or PPIs) correlate with subsequent prescriptions of anti-allergic drugs. medication. Based on almost the entire population, this now validates the findings of previous epidemiological and experimental studies that drugs that protect the stomach may intensify or even trigger allergies. The risk of allergic reaction to allergens requiring anti-allergy treatment is doubled or tripled. The results were recently published in the journal Nature Communications.

The gastric acid inhibitors reduce the production of stomach acid, relieve heartburn and promote the healing of damaged gastric mucosa. They are frequently prescribed for drug treatment, to prevent stomach problems or to fight against bloating. They are often the drug of choice for stress responses leading to reflux (heartburn). In 2013, Austrian health insurers paid the prescriptions of at least one IPP package for 1 540 505 people.

A national study conducted by MedUni Vienna found a correlation between the intake of stomach protectors, particularly the family of proton pump inhibitors, and the subsequent prescription of anti-allergic drugs.

The study badyzed prescriptions of anti-allergic medications (antihistamines, anti-allergen immunotherapies) to people who had already received prescriptions for stomach protection from 2009 to 2013. The data from this quantitative study were provided primarily by all Austrian social security institutions. The correlation was striking, says the first author, Galateja Jordakieva: "People who take medicines for the protection of the stomach, such as PPIs, double or even triple their risk of developing allergic symptoms requiring treatment. "

The stomach acid performs an important function in the digestive tract. The acid-dependent enzymes it contains break down the proteins in the food and carry them away for further processing. It also acts as a barrier against bacteria and other pathogens. If these functions are diminished due to the inhibited production of stomach acid, the allergens can enter the intestine without being transformed. This can trigger allergies or worsen the symptoms of people with pre-existing allergies.

Lead investigator Erika Jensen-Jarolim warns against uncontrolled use: "So-called" stomach protectors "should not be used longer than necessary. They prevent the digestion of proteins, modify the microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract and increase the risk of allergic reactions. As soon as they have fulfilled the prescribed medical function, they should be stopped as soon as possible. "

In addition, the gastric acid inhibitors treat only the symptoms and not the cause of a complaint. "Treating physicians should therefore ensure that these medications are taken as quickly as possible.Where they are used to treat stress symptoms, such as heartburn, it is best to change the way it works. life or to seek a balance between his work and his life, "said Jens-Jarolim.

Reference
Country-wide medical records indicate an increased risk of allergic inhibition of gastric acid. Galateja Jordakieva, Michael Kundi, Eva Untersmayr, Isabella Pali-Schöll, Berthold Reichardt, Erika Jensen-Jarolim. Nature Communications, (2019) 10: 3298. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-10914-6.

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