Q. Explain about Gastric ulcers?
Gastric ulcers occur in the lesser curvature of the antrum of stomach. A gastric ulcer appears to be caused by reflux of bile and factors that disrupt the mucosa barrier permitting the hydrogen ions to diffuse into the mucosal tissue where they cause damage. The damage causes cell destruction and subsequent ulceration (due to defect in pyloric sphincter). NSAID dramatically increase the risk of ulcers and is related to the systemic inhibition of prostaglandin production. Thus results in impaired defense against acidity by the gastric mucosa. Another pathogenetic factor is H. Pylori infection and the resulting impaired mucosal defence.