Bacterial overgrowth in children taking antiacids

A recent study done at the Boston Children’s Hospital shows that H2-receptor antagonists significantly increases the incidence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in children.  In the study group 46% of children taking the antiacids tested positive for SIBO.  Whereas only 18% of children complaining of stomach pain but not being treated were positive for SIBO.  These results support the conclusion that acid-suppression therapy changes the gastric microflora and can introduce new problems.  More study needs to be done to determine what doses of acid –suppression therapy would effectively treat the gastric distress symptoms but not lead to SIBO.

Ref:  JAMA Pediatric  2014 Oct 1;168(10):932-7.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25133779