Reflux suppressant
Reflux Suppressant
Reflux suppressant (pronunciation: ree-flux suh-pres-uhnt) is a type of medication used to alleviate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Etymology
The term "reflux suppressant" is derived from the Latin word refluxus, meaning "flowing back", and the English word suppressant, which means "to put an end to".
Usage
Reflux suppressants are typically used in the treatment of GERD and other conditions that cause excessive stomach acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. They work by reducing the production of stomach acid, thereby preventing it from flowing back into the esophagus and causing discomfort or damage.
Types of Reflux Suppressants
There are several types of reflux suppressants, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor blockers, and antacids. Each of these medications works in a slightly different way to reduce stomach acid production and alleviate the symptoms of GERD.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a type of reflux suppressant that work by blocking the enzyme in the stomach that produces acid. This reduces the amount of acid produced, thereby reducing the likelihood of it flowing back into the esophagus.
H2 Receptor Blockers
H2 receptor blockers are another type of reflux suppressant. They work by blocking the action of histamine on the stomach cells that produce acid, thereby reducing the amount of acid produced.
Antacids
Antacids are a type of reflux suppressant that work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. This reduces the acidity of the stomach contents, making it less likely to cause discomfort or damage if it flows back into the esophagus.
Related Terms
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Proton pump inhibitors
- H2 receptor blockers
- Antacids
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Reflux suppressant
- Wikipedia's article - Reflux suppressant
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