Question

Heartburn is commonly treated with buffers such as sodium bicarbonate and aluminum hydroxide, which help neutralize the effects of hcl in the stomach. newer therapies such as h2-receptor antangonists or protein pump inhibitors also help alleviate the symptoms of heartburn. use your knowledge of digestive physiology to explain how each systems (older verses newer) work.

Answer 1

Older antacids like sodium bicarbonate and aluminum hydroxide neutralize excess stomach acid by reacting with HCl. Newer therapies like H2-receptor antagonists and protein pump inhibitors decrease acid production in the stomach.

Step-by-step explanation:

Heartburn is commonly treated with buffers such as sodium bicarbonate and aluminum hydroxide. These antacids work by neutralizing excess stomach acid, specifically the HCl (hydrochloric acid) in the stomach. Sodium bicarbonate reacts with HCl to produce water and carbon dioxide, while aluminum hydroxide reacts with HCl to form water and aluminum chloride.

Newer therapies for heartburn include H2-receptor antagonists and protein pump inhibitors. H2-receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine and famotidine, decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Protein pump inhibitors, like omeprazole, also reduce stomach acid production, but they work by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for acid secretion in the stomach.

Answer 2

The older version of using (sodium bicarbonate and aluminum hydroxide) used the concept of using a base to neutralize the acid. This reduces the acidity in the stomach hence alleviate the heartburn. The newer version (h2-receptor antagonists or protein pump inhibitors) inhibit the progression of the biological pathway that results in secretion of HCL by the parietal cells of the stomach.