PEPTIC ULCERS

In the normal duodenum or the stomach there is a natural barrier to protect the mucosa from autodigestion. This barrier includes mucous secreted by the goblet cells, HCO1- ions and rapid division of the gastric and duodenal epithelial cells. Under normal conditions there is equilibrium between attack and defense in the stomach and the duodenum. But under pathological conditions this equilibrium is lost.

Pepsin-(secreted by the peptic cells) and HCl - (secreted by the parietal cells) are responsible for the erosion of the gastric mucosa. Mucous layer lining the inner surface of the stomach and duodenum slows the diffusion of HCl and pepsin to the epithelial lining. Also HCO1- neutralizes the any diffusing H+ ions.
But the usage of non steroid anti inflammatory drugs reduces the secretion of mucous and fosters the formation of peptic ulcers. Also a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori colonize on the mucous membranes and causes damage to mucous lining.
Tratments
Few decades ago the treatment for the peptic ulcers was only by surgical intervention. But with the development of the new drugs treatments for the peptic ulcers include neutralization of the stomach acid by antacids, relieving the pain by pain killers, usage of proton pump inhibitor drugs, Anticholinergic agents and Histamin H2 receptor antagonists. For the perforating peptic ulcers surgical intervention is necessary.

Antacids- Magnesium hydroxide
Aluminum hydroxide

Proton pump inhibitors- Omeprazol