There can also be changes to the ways in which the body defends itself against these acidic secretions; increased acid exposure can seriously damage or even destroy portions which are given undo exposure. For example, in some patients, the stomach is unable to defend itself from the caustic nature of the acid, which creates lesions in the lining, called gastric ulcers.



How Age Might Impact the Pathophysiology of GERD, PUD, and Gastritis?



GERD:



Most patients with GERD suffer from symptoms of other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which produces pain, abdominal distress, and the need for frequent bowel movements (Gasiorowska 2009,-page 1829). GERD is more prevalent with patients who are over the age of forty although it has been found in patients much younger than this. Pregnant women or those who have other medical conditions related to the gastrointestinal...
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