Gastric juices contain hydrochloric acid, a very strong acid which facilitates the breaking down of food. The body has adapted to protect delicate organs from this acid, but when these defenses break down, it can lead to painful disorders, including acid reflux and peptic ulcers. Medications that neutralize the acidity of the stomach or lower the production of acid can be used to effectively treat these conditions.
Components
The stomach's gastric juices, used to break down food, actually contain several different compounds. The primary component is hydrochloric acid (HCl), an extremely strong acid that is secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach lining. The pH of stomach acid is typically between one and two, making the stomach more acidic than lemon juice or vinegar and just slightly less acidic than battery acid. In addition to the acid, stomach juices contain pepsin, an enzyme that is responsible for the breakdown of proteins, as well as gastrin and somatostatin, peptides that regulate the secretion of stomach acid.
Anatomic Adaptations
The body secretes additional compounds to shield delicate organs from the low pH of stomach juices. The most important defense is a layer of mucous, which covers the stomach lining. Mucous consists of approximately 95 percent water and five percent glycoprotein. The mucous serves as a lubricant for food particles. The mucosal layer also holds in a layer of bicarbonate, a strong base, which serves to neutralize the harsh stomach acids.
Disorders
When these protections fail, the acidity of gastric juices can cause several painful disorders. The first is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly known as "acid reflux" or "heartburn." This occurs when a small amount of gastric juice (sometimes mixed with bile from the lower intestine) travels up from the stomach into the esophagus, and the gastric acid causes a burning sensation throughout the chest and throat areas.
Another common disorder arising from stomach acid is peptic ulcer disease, or simply, "an ulcer." Ulcers result from holes in the mucosal layer of the stomach or duodenum, which allow the stomach acid to reach the delicate stomach lining. Gastrinomas, tumors that occur in the pancreas or the duodenum, can cause increases in stomach acid production, also leading to the formation of ulcers.
Treatments
Because many stomach disorders arise from the acidic properties of the gastric acid, it is often helpful to ingest basic substances that can raise the pH of the stomach. This is why many over-the-counter "antacids" used to treat stomach aches and discomfort contain sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), a weak base that can neutralize any excess gastric acid. For GERD and ulcers, doctors may prescribe medications called "proton pump inhibitors" (which includes brand names like Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium), which suppress the secretion of acid in the stomach.
warning
While conditions like occasional heartburn or ulcers are common and often heal on their own, individuals should be aware that they can lead to serious health problems. Unchecked, severe acid reflux can cause bleeding and inflammation in the esophagus and even infection in the lungs. Ulcers, if left untreated, can lead to holes in the walls of the stomach and internal bleeding. Severe abdominal pain and blood in stool or vomit can indicate a more serious problem, requiring medical attention.
Tags: acid reflux, from stomach, gastric acid, stomach acid, stomach lining, acid stomach, acidic than