The Physiology of Gastric Secretions
January 17th 2010 12:37
Antacids are drugs used to reduce intra-gastric acidity. They are mostly indicated in addressing stomach conditions that are characterized by an increase in the stomach acidity, like gastro-esophageal reflux and peptic ulcer. Collectively these conditions are termed as acid-peptic diseases.
In these disorders, the excessively low pH of the gastric content-major contributor is the hydrochloric acid and pepsin- erodes mainly the mucosal barrier of the gastric epithelium, leading to inflammation and ulceration. Epithelial injuries to nearby structures like in the esophagus are possible though, since gastric contents can spill out to the said area (as in gastro-esophageal reflux).
to be continued...
In these disorders, the excessively low pH of the gastric content-major contributor is the hydrochloric acid and pepsin- erodes mainly the mucosal barrier of the gastric epithelium, leading to inflammation and ulceration. Epithelial injuries to nearby structures like in the esophagus are possible though, since gastric contents can spill out to the said area (as in gastro-esophageal reflux).
to be continued...
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