Upper gastrointestinal tract disorders

Utility Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders... 

In the periphery, 5-HT4 receptor mRNA is found in vascular smooth muscle. Newly developed drugs that activate 5-HT4 receptors are of interest for their potential in treating cardiac arrhythmia. The 5-HT4 receptor is also located on neurons of the alimentary tract, for example the myenteric plexus of the ileum, and on smooth muscle cells and secretory cells of the gastrointestinal tract, where they evoke secretions and the peristaltic reflex. 5-HT4 receptor agonists (e.g. cisapride, prucalopride, tegaserod) are used therapeutically in the treatment of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and in functional motility disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. 

The superiority of omeprazole-like irreversible HVK -ATPase inhibitors over H2-receptor antagonists in acid-related disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract is quite obvious. Their clinically relevant advantages are related to their different mode of action which is independent of the kind of acid stimulation and to their longer duration of action. Reversible H /K -ATPase inhibitors share the secretagogue independent mode of action with the irreversible inhibitors but show a duration of action which is comparable with that of Hj-receptor antagonists. Their clinical advantage over irreversible inhibitors has still to be proven. Other H /K -ATPase inhibitors such as Cl channel blockers are, at present, of experimental interest only. 

In Germany, the fruits used in phjdomedi-cines for dyspeptic disorders mild gastrointestinal antispasmodic, also upper respiratory tract conditions (expectorant) in syrup for children s coughs. ... 

Elderly patients frequently do not experience specific urinary symptoms, but they will present with altered mental status, change in eating habits, or gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition, patients with indwelling catheters or neurologic disorders commonly will not have lower tract symptoms, whereas flank pain and fever may be recognized. Many of the aforementioned patients, however, frequently will develop upper tract infections with bacteremia and no or minimal urinary tract symptoms. 

Traditional use The plant has a long history of use in folk medicine. Preparations were used as a cancer remedy. A deco-cotion of the upper plant parts (capitula and leaves) is used to treat constipation, jaundice, Uver diseases, hypochondria, respiratory tract catarrh, intermittent fever, gastrointestinal atonia, gout, ulcers, kidney diseases, urination disorders, and indigestion and is also used as an emetic (Ogolevitz 1951 Khalmatov et al. 1984 Khodzhimatov 1989). 

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