gastroesophageal reflux disease

Question

Although in most patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease gasric acid secretion is normal. Why are drugs like the proton pump inhibitors and the H2 – receptor antagonists ,which are gastric acid secretion inhibitors ,are used?

Answer 1

Hi! Besides gastric acidity and acid secretion can be normal in GERD, esophageal mucosae is not prepared for such pH, so it is necessary to make gastric secretion less acid via proton pump inhibitors. Chronic exposure of esophageal mucosae to gastric acid will cause complications like gastroesophagic metaplasia (extension of proximal gastric mucosae to the lower third of the esophagus, which can become malignant over time).

Have a great day!

Carlos