Page 16 - E-LKM Asam Basa_Neat

The concentration of hydrochloric acid in the gastric
juice is about 0,03 M with corresponds to pH of 1,5.
Hydrochloric acid with this concentration is strong enough

to dissolve zine metal. The stomach is normally protected
from corrosive effect of hydrochloric acid by a mucosal

lining. The dilute hydrochloric acid in our stomach is to help
digest our food and to activate certain digestive enzyme. As

soon as food reaches the stomach, the digestive juice is
released by the glands in the mucous membrane. This

increases concentration of hydrochloric acid in the
stomach. If the acid content is excessively high, it causes
formation of holes in the in mucosal in lining. These holes

are known as uclers. The presence of ulcers allows the acid
to attack the underlying tissue causing pain, swelling,

inflammation and bleeding. Recent studies indicate that
many ulcers are caused by bacterial infection.

The problem of excess stomach acid can be overcome
by two simple ways: (1) removing the excess acid, or (2)

decreasing the production of acid. The substances that
remove excess acid are called antacids. Antacid or anti-

acid is a broad group of compounds used to reduce
concentration of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice. The

ability of antacids to reduce the excess acid is due to the
hydroxide, carbonate, or bicarbon ion they contain. Antacid
will temporarily reduce the hydrochloric acid concentration

in the stomach.

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