I’ve been told you’re more prone to pneumonia if you take antacids. Because there is less stomach acid, bacteria do not die in the stomach and they can more easily find their way to the lungs. Is that right? I have had pneumonia and take antacids daily. Do I still have to take those medicines? I am a 59-year-old woman. Joris Bartstra, journalist with a medical diploma
The risk of pneumonia is indeed greater if you take antacids. But there is debate about how much the risk increases. Apart from that: what does such a possibly increased chance mean for you personally? In other words: how sensitive are you to pneumonia, how often have you had it?
What is certain is that you will have more stomach problems if you stop taking the drugs, which means that you immediately lose the pleasure of life. In addition, many heartburn increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
So, with the knowledge of now, I would continue with the antacids. In consultation with your doctor, you can test if you do and do not suffer from heartburn, and then dose the medicines as low as possible.
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