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

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.