Stomach Acid & Self-Digestion: Understanding Risks & Myths

Question
sir, my question is if there is any condition in which our acid and enzyme will digest our stomach tissue itself. and i heard that if a man died immediatly after a big meal , there is a chance of digesion of the stomach tissue. whether it is true or not.
expecting your answer.
thank you
syam

Answer
Syam,

There is no acute illness where stomach acid or digestive enzymes "eat" the stomach itself.  It is very complicated and involves protective cells and prostoglandins that provide a layer of protection in the stomach and intestines.  There are conditions where these defense mechanisms are disrupted.. illness, stress, medication (NSAIDs), infection (H. pylori) where there is ulcer formation... but it is never a quick process and no one ever gets eaten alive from the inside... if so we would not have survived as a species.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net