Ulcer management
Factors
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Factors that play a role in peptic ulcer formation in gastric and duodenal ulcers:
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Symptoms of ulcers are due to a combined effect of hydrochloric acid and pepsin.
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Acid causes pain but not tissue damage.
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Pepsin, which is activated in acid environment, digests mucosal, muscular and vascular layers of stomach & intestines.
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Gastric (stomach) ulcers are not due to too much acid.
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Alkaline reflux from intestines may inflame gastric mucosa.
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Duodenal (intestinal) ulcers are due to increased acid secretion in stomach.
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When stomach empties into intestines there is too much acid for pancreatic secretions to neutralize and this acid erodes tissues.
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Most common causes are H. pylori and NSAIDs as well as gastrin hypersecretion.
Goals of drug therapy for ulcers include
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neutralize existing gastric acid - antacids
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inhibit acid secretion - H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors
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treat infection (H. pylori) - antibiotics, bismuth subsalicylate
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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2012, 10:01 AM