Controlling acid reflux shown to benefit patients with lung condition



For individuals who suffer from a condition known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, a decision to buy Prevacid to treat acid reflux could extend their life, according to a new study out of the University of California, San Francisco.

For individuals who suffer from a condition known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, a decision to buy Prevacid to treat acid reflux could extend their life, according to a new study out of the University of California, San Francisco.

Gastroesophageal reflux is common among patients with IPF, which is a terminal lung condition marked by scarring of the lung tissue. For the study, the researchers examined the medical records of 204 patients being treated for IPF.

While the average survival time after IPF diagnosis is two to three years, the results of the investigation showed that those who were treated for acid reflux lived significantly longer.

The researchers said their findings help settle debate in the medical community about whether or not to treat gastroesophageal reflux in patients with IPF. Currently, many doctors believe that it could be harmful to these patients to control this symptom aggressively. However, the results suggest that doing so could actually help improve the condition of IPF patients.

Therefore, individuals with the condition may want to discuss with their doctors whether they should get a prescription to buy Prevacid or other acid-controlling medications.