Omeprazole patients with acid reflux told 'red flag issue' by NHS GP and BBC star

Omeprazole patients with acid reflux told 'red flag issue' by NHS GP and BBC starDr Punam Krishan explained everything to people taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole for heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestionCommentsNewsCharlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor08:39, 12 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesThe NHS GP urges anyone taking PPIs to get regular check-ups to avoid long-term risks and symptoms (Image: Getty)BBC Morning Live's Dr Punam Krishan shared important guidance for anyone using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, for conditions including heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. In the UK, one in four adults suffers from acid reflux, with many people experiencing it at some stage in their lives, particularly following large meals.‌Those who experience it regularly may be prescribed PPIs like omeprazole to help manage symptoms. However, Dr Punam outlined why people using the medication need to exercise caution, especially if they're taking it long-term, and emphasised the need for routine medical reviews.‌Dr Punam is a serving NHS GP and acts as the resident doctor on BBC's Morning Live. She is also a media medic, health broadcaster, and the author of children's books.‌Addressing the BBC Morning Live presenters, Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton, in a previous episode of the show, the health professional began by explaining what acid reflux is. She said: "Acid reflux is all about what happens in your stomach. So we all have acid in our stomach and it has a very important role. The role of that is to break down and digest the food. Now, at the top of the stomach, we have a little valve, a sphincter, and it acts like a trapdoor."And its job is to basically seal the contents so the acid is not essentially tracking back up the food pipe, your oesophagus. However, if that sphincter, that valve, becomes too loose, it can become very relaxed by things like heavy meals. If you've had alcohol, if...