what is the pH of the stomach
2-3
what are the functions of the stomach
mechanical- squeezes the stomach that churns and mixes the food
-chemcial function: ability to secrete substances from gastric glands critical for digestion
what are the cells of the stomach and what do they secrete
what is intrinsic factor important for
the absorption of B 12
what is peptic ulcer disease
a lesion or erosion in the stomach or duodenum
the hyper secretion of HCL
what are risk factors for developing peptic ulcer disease
why does NSAIDS and aspirin lead to peptic ulcers
because they irritate the gastric lining
there is cox 1 enzyme in the mucosal lining that helps protect the stomach.
there is cox 2 which is the enzyme that promotes prostaglandin release
aspirin and NSAIDS are non selective meaning they block both cox 1 and 2 which reduces the ability to protect the gastric mucosa
what can long term use of steroids do r/t peptic ulcer disease
they reduce the prostaglandin synthesis b/c they suppress the immune system.
They block prostaglandins- the stomachs ability to protect itself by secreting bicarb and increase mucus.
a patient who is on long term corticosteroids should also be taking what
PPI’s
how does alcohol cause peptic ulcer disease
promotes HCL secretion and reduces bicarb production.
what are symptoms of peptic ulcer disease
what is H. Pylori
a corkscrew shaped bacteria that screw themselves in to the lining of the stomach.
how is H pylori transmitted
through contaminated water (sewage), stool or mouth fluids-
it then triggers ulcers
what are characteristics of H Pylori
- has ability to generate ammonia (acts as a buffer to HCL) which gives it the chance to proliferate and create a colony
what does an H pylori infection cause
triggers ulcers
-chronic inflammation of the gastric or duodenal lining.
what is the most accurate way to diagnose an H pylori infection
-via endoscopy and take a bx of the lining
what is the treatment for an H Pylori infection
antibiotics ( usually 2-3) in conjunction with PPIs or histamine blockers.
what is GERD
stomach acid that enters the esophagus
risk of esophageal lining
what are symptoms of GERD
"heartburn" dysphagia dyspepsia heartburn belching nausea (some pts feel chest pain)
what factors worsen GERD
acidic foods/drinks spicy foods smoking alcohol obesity (increased weight on stomach creates increased intraabdominal pressure placing pressure on the LES) NSAIDS, Corticosteroids
why would a pt be on a PPI when they have cardiac conditions
to r/o the cause of chest pain by GERD.
if pts chest pain is relieved while on PPIs their chest pain is most likely not r/t cardiac condition
what are lifestyle changes to help with GERD
what can be a possibility if a pt has a hx of gerd and now has a chronic cough
possibly d/t aspiration of stomach acid
acid came as far up to the mouth and swallows and the acid went to the lungs
what drug classes can help with GERD and peptic ulcer disease