4. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
IPF is a chronic lung disease that produces scarring in the lungs. Studies suggest that as many as 90% of all IPF sufferers also have gastroesophageal reflux disease, a link that was first reported in 1971. It’s believed that GERD exacerbates the situation over time by its aspiration of minute particles of stomach acid into the lungs. Certain studies have even indicated that an abnormal GERD is known to occur in those afflicted with IPF.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, or acid regulating drugs) were studied to determine their effectiveness of affecting IPF progression. The initial trials, lasting several years, showed promise and acid regulating drugs were included in the treatment guidelines of IPF patients in 2015.
More recently, the findings of those initial trials have been brought into question, since the use of PPIs has been increasingly linked to the higher rates of lung infections in IPF patients. The conclusion being that anti-acid medications only change the acidic composition of the gastric juices aspirated—but does not actually prevent reflux itself.