Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung condition that causes scarring in the lungs. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and a persistent cough.
IPF is strongly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.
It’s estimated that up to 90 percent of people with IPF have GERD. Having GERD is generally considered a risk factor for IPF, but research is ongoing to determine the exact relationship between the two conditions.
There are two lines of thought concerning people with both GERD and IPF.
Some researchers think
In any case, more research is needed to find the cause of IPF and develop effective treatments.
GERD may be connected to the aspiration of tiny particles of stomach acid into the lungs over time. According to a
Other experts, as seen in a 2016 case study, suggest that this microaspiration may be responsible for acute episodes of IPF. This case study also notes that many people with both GERD and IPF do not have the usual GERD symptoms. The authors recommend that doctors carefully investigate and treat GERD in people with IPF.
It can be beneficial to treat GERD in people with GERD symptoms, no matter whether IPF or GERD comes first. Individuals who do not have GERD symptoms can decide on a case-by-case basis whether to try GERD treatment.
An older 2011 study looked at many factors affecting the survival rates of people with IPF. One factor was the use of GERD medications, specifically proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers. People who used GERD medication had median survival rates that were about twice as long as those of people who didn’t use medication.
People who used GERD medication also had less lung scarring. The study authors cautioned that more research is needed and that it’s possible IPF may cause the development of GERD instead of the other way around.
According to a
A small
On the other hand, research such as a
If you have GERD along with any symptoms of IPF, ask a doctor to check for IPF. IPF is very rare and difficult to diagnose, but you’ll have a better outcome if it’s caught early.