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PPI medication is very commonly prescribed for acid reflux but it's important to know its various side effects, of which there are many.

Today I'll review the increased risk of infections, what types and the mechanisms involved.

Your stomach's acid is a key part of your body's natural defense system against pathogens, both bacteria and virus alike.  When the acid level is decreased more pathogens survive and can reach your intestines and respiratory tract.

1. Clostridium difficile (C diff) - this is one of the most well documented infections associated with PPI use and its symptoms include severe diarrhea, colitis, and it can be life-threatening. While the risk is highest for the elderly and those in hospital, it's also a risk factor for those on a high-dose of PPIs or those who have taken the drug for more than 1 year.

2. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) - this occurs when bacteria overgrow in the small intestine which is supposed to be mostly sterile. Symptoms include bloating, bas, diarrhea and malabsorption.

3. Pneumonia - two types of involved: Bacterial and Chemical. 
Chemical pneumonia results from aspirated acid into the lungs due to acid reflux. The acid causes inflammation of the lung tissue.
Bacterial pneumonia is a result of aspirating saliva or food that as inappropriately moved up the esophagus. With someone suffering from GERD this could occur while sleeping or lying down, or as a result of LPR which I describe in the video as well as previous videos on the topic.

4. Food-borne Illnesses - food poisoning can result in Salmonella, Campylobacter or Listeria infections due to insufficient acid in the stomach.

Those at risk include:
PPI use for more than 1 year
High dose PPI use
Elderly
Those in hospital
Individuals taking antibiotics

The most important step you can take is to resolve the root cause of your acid reflux and get that treated so that we can wean you down and hopefully off the PPI completely.  We have good success in this area.

If you take a PPI and would like to discover the underlying root cause of your acid reflux, we'd be delighted to help. The best next step is to call us for a consultation and we can then determine if what we do is a good fit for you. Call us at 727-335-0400.

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#ppi #acidreflux #rootcausemedicine