Risk of Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Use of Gastric Acid–Suppressive Drugs

Abstract

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common: annually, 20% to 40% of the general population has at least 1 episode of dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux disease, and 5% consult a general practitioner for these complaints.^1,2 The most effective treatment strategy for these symptoms in primary care is reduction of gastric acid secretion, which can be achieved by using H₂-receptor antagonists (H₂RAs) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).³ Currently, a common approach in western countries is to prescribe acid-suppressive drugs for upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms without suspicion of a malignancy and to refer nonresponders for gastrointestinal endoscopy.⁴ The consequence of this policy is that acid-suppressive drugs are among the most frequently prescribed drugs, whereas their use is not without risk.