Good Morning Mary Carol - The short answer to the question is No, Mycobacteria are not killed by stomach acid. Is that a concern? Again, the short answer is also No. The contents of the stomach move on through and out quickly, not giving biofilm a chance to establish, nor mycobacteria to hide there. The exception is people who are very immunocompromised - such as those with HIV or AIDS.

The few available studies show that normal stomach Ph is about 3.0, and and mycobacteria survive Ph as low as 2.0 - 2.2. So stopping GERD medications is neither helpful nor advisable.

If swallowing sputum concerns you, I have developed a technique I use to avoid swallowing it when doing airway clearance - I stand and bend forward at about a 30-45 degree angle when huff coughing and it comes out easily.

Sue