Zollinger-ellison syndrome

Introduction
It is a rare disorder, which causes tumors in the pancreas (gland located on the back of stomach) and duodenums in addition to causing ulcers in the stomach and duodenum (top part of the small intestine). About half of the patients of this condition suffer from cancerous tumors. These tumors produce a substance named gastrin, which increases the stomach’s activity to produce acid. This extra acid in turn causes ulcers known as peptic ulcers. These ulcers are more painful than normal peptic ulcers.

Alternative Names
Gastrinoma.

Causes
The cause behind the Zollinger-ellison syndrome (ZES) is unknown. About three fourth of the patients suffering from ZES do not have any other illness or risk factor that could lead towards ZES. However, the rest one fourth are found to suffer from this disease as a part and parcel of a complexity known as endocrine neoplasia Type I (MEN1), which is an inherited syndrome. So any one experiencing Men 1 is likely to suffer from certain other symptoms as well including ZES.

Risk Factors
Since it usually occurs to people between the age of 30 and 60, so anyone that lies in this group should be aware!

Symptoms & Signs

Gnawing.
Burning pain in the abdomen.
Nausea.
Blood vomiting.
Fatigue.
Weakness.
Weight loss.
Diarrhea.
Heart burn.
Less energetic.
Peptic ulcer pain.

Diagnosis
In order to diagnose ZES, your doctor will first recommend a blood test to measure the levels of Gastrin. If this test did not prove fruitful, he/she will give you a large dose of secretin (a digestive hormone) followed by another blood test to show that whether this has caused your body to produce more gastrin, if so than you have ZES. Your body shall be checked for ulcers via X-rays. A CT scan is even performed to find out tumors, if any, in the pancreas, stomach and the duodenum or liver. Stay aware of the procedures like esophagogastroduodenoscopy and upper endoscopy, since your doctor might also ask you to undergo one or both of these.

Prevention
Since there isn’t any known cause of ZES, it is difficult to say how we could prevent it. But since it is a possibility that people suffering from endocrine neoplasia might have ZES, anyone with a family history of this condition must get himself or herself screened for ZES. This could help them in an earlier identification of ZES. Because the earlier, the better.

Treatment
The approach to the treatment of ZES is dual, focusing both on the tumors as well as ulcers. In the case of a tumor, your doctor shall easily remove it with surgery. However, in the case of numerous tumors or if the tumor has spread to the liver, a surgery would not be the right path to opt for. Following are some of the ways doctors choose to treat ZES:

Removal of as much of the tumor from the liver as possible.
Using electric current to destroy the tumor.
Cutting its blood supply could also destroy tumor.
Relieving the cancer symptoms by drug injections.

Ulcers are usually treated via medications. Theses medications include:

Proton pump inhibitors: they reduce the acid by blocking the working of the tiny “pumps” which lie within the acid-secreting cells.
Acid Blockers: these reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach to relieve you of the ulcer pain in addition to encouraging healing.

Primary Natural Supplements
HERBS

Licorice
Marshmallow

VITAMINS

Vitamin A

QUASI VITAMINS

Bioflavonoids

AMINO ACIDS

Glutamine

MINERALS

Zinc
Bismuth

Secondary Natural Supplements
HERBS

Chamomile
Comfrey
Cabbage

VITAMINS

Vitamin E

Other Natural Supplements

Fiber

Dietary Guidelines
You should take better care of your food these days, since poor diet could do much harm to your condition. A diet consisting of vegetables, fish and fruits is highly advisable.

Home Care Suggestions
Try to stay COOL, because anger is something you should definitely avoid. If possible keep a check on your emotional stress and feeling of anger. And yes rest!

Mind/Body Considerations
Adopt the best relaxation techniques you know. Or even ask a professional who could give you proper aid regarding how to keep yourself away from stress and nervous tension.


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