Synonyms in a broader sense
- Proton pump inhibitors
- PPI
- Gastric acid blocker
- Nexium® MUPS
- Agopton®
- Lansogamma®
- Lansoprazole-ratiopharm
- Antra® MUPS
- Omegamma®
- Omep®
- Omeprazole STADA
- Ulcozol®
- Pariet®
- Pantozol®.
- Pantoprazole®.
- Rifun®
Definition
Proton pump inhibitors (short: PPI;= proton pump inhibitors) are very effective drugs for the treatment of stomach acid-related complaints such as heartburn, esophagitis or stomach ulcers. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) block the function of stomach acid producing cells. Complaints are thus relieved and inflammations can heal better. PPI can also counteract the stomach-damaging effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
What are proton pumps?
Proton pumps, also called proton-potassium ATPases, are gastric acid producing units of the stomach wall (see anatomy stomach). They are found in the so-called document cells. Proton pumps transport, as the name suggests, protons into the stomach interior.
The higher the number of protons, the stronger the stomach acid. The number of protons is a measure of the acid strength and is expressed by the so-called pH value (scale 1-14). The lower the pH value, the higher the proton concentration and the acid strength. The stomach normally has a pH value of 1.5, which is a very acidic environment.
Diseases caused by gastric acid
Gastric acid is necessary for the digestion of protein from food. Furthermore, digestive enzymes such as pepsin can only work effectively in an acidic environment. In addition, the food is disinfected by stomach acid from germs.
The stomach wall is lined with an acid-insensitive protective film to prevent the stomach from digesting itself. Certain drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can attack this protective film. This can lead to inflammation of the stomach wall (gastritis, ulcus ventriculi).
The oesophagus is separated from the stomach by a “valve”, the oesophageal sphincter, so that the acidic food pulp does not flow back. If this happens, the irritation of the acid-sensitive esophagus becomes noticeable as heartburn. If a patient suffers from heartburn more often, the permanent irritation of the esophageal mucosa can lead to inflammation (reflux esophagitis). The sectional image shows the leaking stomach entrance, which allows a backflow of acidic oesophageal mucus through the esophagus.
- Oesophagus
- Stomach
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