Causes of Ulcers Occurrence
January 13, 2009 by rainier
The stomach and some other inner organs which take part in breaking down the food secrete different ferments and hydrochloric acid. But at the same time the stomach must also be protected from these ferments and acid. If the acid due to the temporary weakness in the normal sphincter mechanism enters the lower part of the Oesophagus it may lead to heartburn. Ulcers can occur if there is an imbalance between the different protecting stomach factors and the stomach juices which help to digest the food.
Duodenal ulcers are much more common than gastric, because the first ones arise in the lining of the upper part of the small intestine, and gastric ulcers occur in the stomach.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a situation when there is an excessively large amount of acid secretion. They are stimulated by tumours located in the duodenum or pancreas.
Another damage for stomach and duodenum is pepsin – an enzyme that breaks down proteins. The defense system of the organism consists of the mucous layer, which coats the stomach and duodenum. It forms the first line of protect. The body also secretes bicarbonate into the mucous layer, which neutralizes the acid. Hormone-like substances help to protect the organism too. They keep the blood vessels in the stomach dilated, ensuring adequate blood flow.
If there is a lack of these protect mechanisms, pepsin and acid can get into the stomach and cause an ulcer.
