title: Effects of ranitidine for exercise induced gastric mucosal changes and bleeding.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of ranitidine on gastric mucosal changes and on GI bleeding in long distance runners.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four long distance runners (M: 16, F: 8, age: 18.2 +/- 1.5 years) participated in this study. A symptom questionnaire, stool hemoccult test, and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were performed on the subjects prior to the study. The subjects took oral ranitidine (150 mg, b.i.d.) for two weeks. The upper GI endoscopy and stool Hemoccult tests were repeated after the treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-two of the 24 runners had at least one upper GI mucosal lesion before the medication. The Endoscopic improvements were seen in eleven of the 14 cases of erosive gastritis and four of the 5 cases of esophagitis. Six subjects were Heme occult positive prior to the study, but only one was positive after the medication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gastric mucosal lesions and GI bleeding in long distance runners seem to be associated to acid-related factors mediated by the high level of regular running. Ranitidine seems to be and effective prophylaxis to prevent gastric mucosal lesions and GI bleeding.
authors: Department of Leisure and Sports, Wonkwang Health Science College, Iksan, South Korea.
authors: Suck Jun
authors: SJ
authors: Choi
authors: Yong Sung
authors: YS
authors: Kim
authors: Jeong Ryong
authors: JR
authors: Chae
authors: Hong Kwan
authors: HK
authors: Cho
authors: Tae Hyeon
authors: TH
authors: Kim
authors: Young Woo
authors: YW
authors: Sohn
authors: Yong Leol
authors: YL
authors: Oh
authors: Geom Seog
authors: GS
authors: Seo
authors: Yong-Ho
authors: YH
authors: Nah
authors: Suck Chei
authors: SC
authors: Choi