Heartburn Versus Pneumonia - The Causes And The Risks

When you read heartburn versus pneumonia it might seem a little surprising, as these two conditions are seemingly unrelated. For a long time this was the opinion of the experts as well, i.e. that there was no connection between these two. However, the coincidental development of pneumonia in patients who were administered heartburn drugs led to some specific research studies to find out whether there were any links.

What Do The Reports Say On Heartburn Versus Pneumonia?

These studies threw up some interesting findings. It was found that a good number of patients who were treated for chronic heartburn sooner or later developed pneumonia. The cause for this peculiarity was quite obvious once it was understood. The heartburn medication reduced the acid formation in the stomach, which in turn allowed germs to live longer. These germs traveled upwards and attacked the lungs causing pneumonia.

You will find that children and old people usually fall into the high-risk group for this condition because they have weaker constitutions. Those who have a history of (or presently suffer from) any type of lung disease or asthma seem to develop pneumonia faster than other healthy patients. It was also found that those who posses a weak immune system fall prey to this disease faster.

Some Important Facts On Heartburn Versus Pneumonia

Doctors who treat people for heartburn are today more aware of this possibility and hence are watchful for any symptoms that would indicate the onset of pneumonia. Patients are also advised during heartburn treatment to pay close attention to any symptoms that would point to pneumonia so it could be countered before it becomes a full blown chronic condition.

Check out for any of the following symptoms - fever of 101 degrees and higher, persistent and stubborn cough which does not get abated in spite of strong anti-cough medication; chest pain when you breathe in deeply on one side or both, sudden and abrupt shortness of breath for no apparent cause, etc. In most cases, fever becomes a common factor plus any other of the above mentioned symptoms.

The studies on heartburn versus pneumonia showed that only when people took medication haphazardly that this problem developed. In most cases where patients followed closely the instructions of their medical practitioner and did not abuse the heartburn medication, nothing untoward happened. On the other hand, when this medication is taken for longer than required periods, it tends to suppress the immune system and the incidence of pneumonia rises.

The link of heartburn versus pneumonia is still under study; however, at present it is obvious that it is important for those who undertake treatment for heartburn to keep a close watch on any possible pneumonia symptoms.