Abstract
Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, stimulates acid secretion, and reduces the gastric mucosal barrier to hydrogen ion back-diffusion. These actions may result in esophagitis, acute gastritis, and ulcer formation. Although excessive alcohol consumption commonly produces acute and chronic pancreatitis, and pathogenesis is unclear.
MeSH terms
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Alcoholism / complications*
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Alcoholism / physiopathology
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Esophageal Diseases / etiology
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Ethanol / pharmacology
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Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications
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Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology*
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Humans
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Intestinal Absorption / drug effects
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Intestine, Small / drug effects
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Pancreas / drug effects
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Pancreatic Juice / metabolism
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Rupture, Spontaneous / etiology
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Stomach Diseases / etiology
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Vomiting / complications