# The hidden dangers of omeprazole: long-term use risks gut health > Dr Martin Scurr warns that long-term omeprazole use can cause small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and other gut issues. - Title: The hidden dangers of omeprazole: long-term use risks gut… - Summary: Dr Martin Scurr warns that long-term omeprazole use can cause small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and other gut issues. Long-term omeprazole use may lead… - Keywords: omeprazole, acid reflux, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gut health, probiotics, stomach acid, proton-pump inhibitor, breath test, rifaximin, migraine, botox, aquipta - Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/health/article-16202023/hidden-dangers-omeprazole-acid-reflux-fix.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss - Published: 2026-10-12T11:09:09+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: omeprazole, acid reflux, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gut health, probiotics, stomach acid, proton-pump inhibitor, breath test, rifaximin, migraine, botox, aquipta ## Long-term omeprazole use risks gut health Dr Martin Scurr explains that long-term omeprazole use can cause small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea. > I’ve taken omeprazole for nearly 30 years. I’ve tried stopping it several times, but the acid reflux always comes back ## Omeprazole suppresses stomach acid Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production, but long-term use increases vulnerability to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. > This is a type of proton-pump inhibitor, drugs widely prescribed to treat reflux ## SIBO symptoms include bloating and diarrhea Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth causes bloating, excessive gas, and diarrhea due to too many bacteria in the small intestine. > They work by suppressing stomach-acid production, but over time this can make you more vulnerable to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ## Omeprazole causes constipation People on acid-suppressing drugs like omeprazole are more likely to develop constipation due to disrupted gut bacteria balance. > Partly because they can upset the balance of gut microbes ## SIBO diagnosis requires breath test The only reliable way to confirm SIBO is a breath test for traces of hydrogen or methane produced by bacteria. > The only reliable way to confirm it’s SIBO is a breath test for traces of hydrogen or methane produced by the bacteria ## SIBO treatment with antibiotics If SIBO is confirmed, it can be treated with antibiotics such as rifaximin to reduce bacterial overgrowth. > If SIBO is confirmed, it can be treated with antibiotics, such as rifaximin ## Probiotics may help SIBO Probiotics could help with SIBO, though there is currently little hard evidence they are effective for this condition. > As for probiotics, there is no harm in trying one, although there is currently little hard evidence they’re effective for SIBO ## Migraine diagnosis concerns A patient describes chronic migraine symptoms including severe headaches occurring 15 or more days a month. > My husband began suffering with a severe headache a year ago. Scans have ruled out other problems and he’s been diagnosed with migraine ## Chronic migraine treatment challenges Standard migraine drugs can lead to rebound headaches when used frequently, making treatment less effective over time. > Standard migraine drugs such as triptans can be helpful at easing symptoms, but taking them frequently and longer-term (ten or more days per month for several months, for instance) can lead to rebound headaches ## Botox injections for migraines Botox injections can prevent or minimize migraine attacks by interrupting nerve networks involved in pain pathways. > Botox injections can be effective in preventing or minimising attacks ## Botox treatment protocol Botox requires 30 or more injections into head and neck muscles, repeated every 12 weeks for long-term migraine management. > The standard approach is to administer 30 or more Botox injections into the muscles of the head and neck, and repeat after 12 weeks ## Aquipta for migraine relief Aquipta blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide to reduce migraine days, but may not work for everyone. > Aquipta, the drug your husband was prescribed, blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide, a protein linked to migraine pain ## Aquipta effectiveness Studies show Aquipta halved migraine days in four in ten patients, but it is not a perfect solution. > Studies show the drug halved the number of migraine days in four in ten patients ## Alternative migraine diagnosis Other conditions like giant cell arteritis could be causing the headaches, requiring specialist consultation. > What is needed is consultation with an expert, as there are other possibilities, such as giant cell arteritis ## Nasal cycle benefits Breathing through the nose alternates nostrils every two hours, helping to synchronize brain activity and filter air. > Known as the nasal cycle, it means one passage remains open while the other is partly congested as the blood vessels swell up, the sides then change over roughly every two hours ## Nasal cycle importance Nasal breathing influences brain functions including smell, emotion, and memory, which are disrupted by mouth breathing. > The purpose of this isn’t fully understood, but it may be that it allows the two sides to take turns at the different jobs, while one side handles more of the airflow, the other clears mucus and trapped particles ## Key takeaway Long-term omeprazole use may lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea.