Antidiarrhoeal agents are used as adjuncts in the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea, although the main aim in the management of acute diarrhoea is the correction of fluid and electrolyte depletion with rehydration therapy;
Proton pump inhibitors inhibit gastric acid secretion by blocking the hydrogen-potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system (the ‘proton pump’) of the gastric parietal cell. Proton pump inhibitors are effective short-term treatments for gastric and duodenal ulcers; they are also used in combination with antibacterials for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori In patients with peptic ulcer bleeding, treatment with a proton pump inhibitor reduces the risk of rebleeding and the need for surgery.
Antacids are basic compounds, which neutralize hydrochloric acid in the gastric secretions. They are used to prevent and relieve pain in the symptomatic management of gastro-intestinal disorders associated with gastric hyperacidity such as dyspepsia, gastro-oesphageal reflux disease, and peptic ulcer.
In the daily path of professional activities the Respiratory Therapist shall be bound by the following ethical and professional principles. Respiratory Therapists shall: