I was hospitalized for pneumonia caused by reflux -- the stomach acid came up and went into my lungs. Is this common? Is it life-threatening? I had antibiotics in my IV for four days, and now I'm taking an antibiotic twice a day.

Meriellen

Although reflux disease is very common, only a small percentage of people with reflux have symptoms that affect the lungs or other organs. Such symptoms, termed "extraesophageal manifestations," include asthma, laryngitis, chronic cough, hoarseness and -- as was your experience -- pneumonia.

These symptoms are rarely life-threatening. But the fact that you were hospitalized for pneumonia relating to reflux is very significant. You didn't mention how your reflux is being treated or what type of response you've had. Certainly, repeated bouts of pneumonia can occur if the reflux is not properly controlled.

People with extraesophageal manifestations tend to have severe reflux that is difficult to control with even with high doses of the usual medications. Some experts think such people, especially if young, should undergo anti-reflux surgery. In this procedure, the sphincter leading from the lower esophagus into the stomach is tightened by wrapping part of the stomach around it.

It's also important to make sure reflux really is the cause of your symptoms. Other possible causes, such as a muscle disorder of the esophagus, would be treated in a different way. If you haven't had a full evaluation of your symptoms, including endoscopy, see your doctor. You should also discuss long-term management of your disease, since extraesophageal manifestations tend to be chronic.