Common heartburn drugs tied to worse asthma outcomes. A new study found that adults with difficult-to-treat asthma on biologic therapy who also took proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) faced significantly higher rates of exacerbations, ER visits, and ICU admissions than non-users. Researchers say long-term acid suppression may disrupt the microbiome, leaving patients more vulnerable to respiratory infections — and call for proactive deprescribing.
Common heartburn drugs tied to worse asthma outcomes
A retrospective study presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting found that adults with difficult-to-treat asthma on biologic therapy who also used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) had significantly worse clinical outcomes compared to non-users. Researchers analyzed over 2,400 propensity-matched patients from the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network between 2014 and 2025.
The suspected culprit? Long-term acid suppression may alter the gut and airway microbiome, making patients more susceptible to respiratory pathogens. Notably, there was no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality between the two groups.
By the Numbers
Why it matters: Many patients continue PPIs long after their original symptoms resolve. Clinicians are urged to reassess the necessity of chronic PPI therapy in biologic-treated asthma patients without clear ulcer-related indications — and to implement structured deprescribing strategies to reduce preventable morbidity.
