Heartburn drugs may cause bad breath

It is believed that chronic heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes bad breath or halitosis. Acid blocking medications have often been used for this purpose. Now comes a study suggesting that the opposite is in fact true, i.e. the potent heartburn drugs of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) class e.g. Aciphex, Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix etc. may actually cause bad breath.

Dr. Camacho-Lobato and colleagues from Brazil recently presented their findings at the American College of Gastroenterology meeting in Las Vegas in October 2006 (Poster#8).

The researchers studied 23 consecutive adults with GERD. And compared them to 17 patients with dyspepsia or indigestion. Patients with oral or dental disease were excluded. Oral volatile sulphur compounds that cause bad odor in breath were measured.

These investigators found that bad breath occurred in 39 percent of the GERD as compared to only 18% in those with dyspepsia.

Because of their potent acid blocking activity, PPI have potential to cause small bowel bacterial overgrowth thus causing bad breath.

This study represents a classic chicken and egg story. Is it that GERD causes bad breath and patients were simply taking PPIs to alleviate GERD. The reverse is also possible, i.e. the halitosis occurs due to acid blocking by these drugs in GERD, and contributes to the bad breath problem caused by GERD itself also.

Do you have chronic heartburn and/or bad breath? What measures do you take for these problems?

Comments

[san diego cosmetic dentistry]

A relatively new approach for home-care of bad breath is by oil-containing mouthwashes. The use of essential oils has been studied, was found effective and is being used in several commercial mouthwashes, as well as the use of two-phase mouthwashes, which have been found to be effective in reducing oral malodor. thanks for the post.

-heather-

[Protonix Prescription Information]

My name is Michael Rodman and i would like to show you my personal experience with Protonix.

I am 39 years old. Have been on Protonix for 2 years now. Miracle drug I have suffered with gerd for a long time and tried many treatments, some because coverage wasnt allowed, so my dr had been given me samples. When I am on this meds I am painfree thank god. I feel normal. I have run out of supplies and I have been in such pain that I sleep sitting up. I go back today to get more samples, today thank god.

No side effects that i remember so they cant be that bad

I hope this information will be useful to others,
Michael Rodman