Proton pump inhibitor, proton pump inhibitor, “stomach protection” Daily a total of 2-3 liters of gastric juice are produced by different cells in the stomach. It contains aggressive substances such as hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, but also protective substances that prevent the stomach from digesting itself. The pH value, which indicates how acidic a liquid is, is 1-2 in the stomach, i.e. in the very acidic range.
This acidic liquid is important because certain digestive enzymes only work in these areas. On the other hand, certain pathogens are killed by the acidic pH in the stomach alone. There are certain factors that increase the production of acidic substances in the stomach.
These include unpleasant factors such as stress, fear, and pain as well as food intake. When you see food “water in your mouth“, more stomach acid is produced at the same time so that digestion, especially of proteins, can begin. There are several reasons why strong acid production in the stomach is harmful.
For example, drugs like ASA, ibuprofen and diclofenac, but also alcohol and nicotine, can attack the protective layer of the stomach and cause inflammation. A highly acidic environment is also a perfect place for the bacterium Helicobacter pylori to multiply and stay. Approximately 80% of chronic gastritis can be attributed to an infection with this bacterium.
Gastric ulcer is another disease that can always be traced back to an imbalance between acid gastric juice and fluids that protect the stomach. In heartburn (reflux esophagitis), stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. This leads to inflammation there. The production of acid in the stomach can be reduced by various drugs, one of which is Nexium®. Nexium® belongs to the group of proton pump inhibitors and is therefore one of the most effective drugs that can inhibit the production of acid in the stomach.
Definition
Nexium® is a prescription drug from the AstraZeneca company in the group of proton pump inhibitors, which is used to combat excessive acid production in the stomach.
