Gastroparesis & Acid Reflux
NOTE: The information contained in this post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please talk with your health care provider before stopping any medication or changing your treatment plan.
I was treated with high, daily doses of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux disease (GERD) for nearly 10 years before I learned that acid reflux symptoms are sometimes not caused by an excess of acid. In fact, one year after I had weaned off of PPIs with the support of my doctor, I had a 24-hour pH/impedance study done at the Mayo Clinic. It showed no evidence of acid reflux. Not a single episode. I did, however, have significant non-acidic reflux.
PPIs are notoriously bad at alleviating the symptoms of non-acidic reflux... specifically because the acid isn't the problem. What’s more, additional problems can be created by the suppression of gastric acid when it’s not necessary (including delayed gastric emptying). A 2012 study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that women with low stomach acid had significantly more symptoms of dysmotility and dyspepsia than those with normal levels of acid. Given how many people are prescribed PPIs before or upon diagnosis of gastroparesis, it seems like this warrants more attention.
This certainly doesn't mean that nobody needs or should be taking acid suppressing medications. There are absolutely times when that medication is appropriate and helpful. But it's important to ask questions and advocate for yourself, especially in the context of gastroparesis. The video below further explains the relationship between gastroparesis and acid reflux and some things to think about if you are currently being treated for GERD.