Does PPI use increase risk of infection?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can increase the risk of infections, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. By reducing stomach acid, PPIs weaken a key defense against harmful bacteria, making infections like C. difficile, Salmonella, and pneumonia more likely. Long-term or high-dose use raises this risk further, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

If you're taking a PPI and experiencing symptoms like persistent diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, or unusual fatigue, it's important not to ignore them. These could signal an infection that needs prompt attention. Understanding your symptoms early can help you make informed decisions about your health and whether to consult a doctor. Take a free, instant, online symptom check now to clarify what may be going on and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if PPIs raise infection risk Discover your infection symptoms' likely causes See whether symptoms need urgent care Find OTC relief for related symptoms Find a specialist for infection concerns Understand medically valid home remedies Find if it could be a serious infection

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Explanation

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications that reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. According to the provided references, using PPIs might increase the risk of infections.

How PPIs Affect Infection Risk:

Stomach Environment: PPIs lower stomach acid, which normally helps kill harmful bacteria.
Increased Susceptibility: With less acid, certain bacteria can survive and grow, potentially leading to infections.

Types of Infections:

Gastrointestinal Infections: PPIs are linked to a higher risk of gut infections like C. difficile, which can cause diarrhea.
Respiratory Infections: There might also be a small increase in the risk of lung infections.

While PPIs can be helpful for treating stomach issues, it's important to use them carefully and only when needed to minimize these risks. If you're experiencing concerning digestive or respiratory symptoms, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker before consulting with a healthcare provider about whether PPIs or other treatments are right for you.

(References)

Bavinski C, & Dupont HL. (2011). the use of proton pump inhibitors and increased susceptibility .... Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 21999643.
Moayyedi P, & Leontiadis GI. (2012). The Risks of PPI Therapy. Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 22330810.
Jaynes M, & Kumar AB. (2019). The risks of long-term use of proton pump inhibitors. Therapeutic advances in drug safety, 31019676.

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