- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael Picco, M.D.
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Michael Picco, M.D.
Michael Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael F. Picco has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Picco is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
He has authored numerous publications in the area of gastroenterology, including original research, editorials and textbook chapters. He works with a team of gastroenterologists that takes care of complex gastrointestinal conditions and has a particular interest in diarrheal illnesses and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). He is also active in medical education in training new gastroenterologist and internists.
"MayoClinic.com is an invaluable resource for patients and their families," Dr. Picco said. "Informed patients are better able to participate in their own health care. A patient's participation is vital to the treatment of his or her disease. I hope to assist in helping patients understand their digestive problems and current treatments that are offered. This will allow for better communication between patients, their physicians and other health care professionals."
Dr. Picco serves as a reviewer of new research for several medical journals in the area of gastroenterology and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. He serves on numerous committees that address physician training, research and clinical practice in gastroenterology, both at Mayo Clinic and at the national level.
"Patients need to know about their disease, what to expect, the latest treatments and side effects so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Gastrointestinal disease affects not only patients but also their families. My goal is to assure that our Web site provides accurate, reliable information and resources for patients. We must always provide the latest, most cutting-edge information to assist patients in dealing with their medical problems," Dr. Picco said.
More answers
- Acid reflux and GERD: The same thing?
- GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?
- Laryngospasm: What causes it?
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Question
Proton pump inhibitors: Do they impair calcium absorption?
I have acid reflux and osteoporosis. Is it true that many of the medications for treating acid reflux also cause bone loss, so I could more easily break a bone? What should I do to treat my acid reflux?
Answer
from Michael Picco, M.D.
A recent study has shown that the proton pump inhibitors and histamine blocking medications used to treat acid reflux may contribute to bone loss. These medications may interfere with the way your body absorbs calcium, which can affect the strength of your bones and make them more prone to fracture.
The study found that people who took either proton pump inhibitors or histamine blockers once daily for a year or longer had an increased risk of hip fracture. But the risk was even greater for those who took about two doses of proton pump inhibitor medications daily to control their acid reflux.
Most people take acid reflux medication only once daily, so while there is an increased risk, the risk is very low. If you have concerns about your risk of bone fractures, ask your doctor how your acid reflux treatment might affect your risk. You and your doctor will need to weigh the small risk of bone fracture with the benefit of these medications to you. Acid reflux can be treated with simple antacids and modification of diet, but sometimes stronger treatments such as proton pump inhibitors or histamine blockers are the only medications that work.
If you need these medications, you should talk to your doctor about taking the smallest effective dose to control your symptoms and keep your risk of fracture low.
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