Patient was educated on NSAIDs and gastric ulcers as follows:
- Gastric ulcer typically is a side effect of NSAIDs that block COX-1
- COX-1 is a type of cyclooxygenase enzyme produced in various tissues of the body, including stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
- Production of COX-1 in these tissues result in production of prostaglandins.
- Apart from amplification of pain sensitivity and inducing inflammatory signs, prostaglandins also perform important function of protection of the lining of stomach and gastrointestinal tract from the action of the acid contents of the stomach. Thus, prostaglandins prevent development of gastric ulcers.
- Inhibition of COX-1 by NSAIDs result in deficient production of prostaglandins, which contributes towards reduced protection of the stomach lining. Gastric acid in the stomach can act unhindered on the inner lining of the stomach, thus breaking it down and leading to the development of gastric ulcers and internal bleeding.
- Also, prostaglandins in general help to promote clotting. As NSAIDs inhibit production of prostaglandins, clotting is inhibited, which can result in continued bleeding from the gastric ulcers.
