Peptic Ulcers

How peptic ulcers develop Peptic ulcers develop when the protective layer of the stomach or the lining of the intestine is broken down. When this occurs, the stomach’s digestive fluids, which contain hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin, can damage the intestine as well as the stomach (webmd). Ulcers tend to occur in all age ranges, but specifically in males in their early to late sixties. Inflammatory drugs may contribute to the cause of developing a peptic ulcer, these drugs block the body’s ability to protect the stomach lining. An imbalance between the digestive fluids can occur in the stomach and duodenum, which causes ulcers such as peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers, and a duodenal ulcers to develop. Another factor that can lead to the development of a peptic ulcer is an infection caused by the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori (lifescript).
Ulcers begin when acid and pepsin enter the epithelial cells while additional mechanisms are in place to reduce injury. Histamines then are released, which causes more acid. In the epithelial cells, ion travels into the basolateral cell membrane in order to regulate intracellular pH by removing excess hydrogen ions. Healthy cells migrate to the site of the injury through the process of restitution. Afterwards, mucosal blood flow removes the acid that diffuses through the injured mucosa later providing bicarbonate to the surface of the epithelial cells