What primary condition are proton pump inhibitors used to treat?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are primarily used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort. PPIs work by blocking the proton pump in the stomach lining, which is responsible for secreting gastric acid. By inhibiting this pump, PPIs significantly reduce the production of stomach acid, providing relief from GERD symptoms and aiding in healing the esophageal lining that may have been damaged due to acid exposure.

In contrast, conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis are managed through different classes of medications and therapeutic approaches. Hypertension is typically treated with antihypertensives, diabetes with insulin or oral hypoglycemics, and arthritis with anti-inflammatory medications or disease-modifying agents. Thus, the use of PPIs is specifically targeted towards managing and alleviating the symptoms associated with GERD.