Individuals with problems concerning the digestive system are constantly rising over the years. Ulcers, gastritis, hemorrhoids, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are only a few among many. The information you are about to uncover is concerning a disease involving some parts of the digestive system. I understand that you or someone you know may be suffering from this, thus, being here. Nevertheless, if you’re here for research, you will not be disappointed. Answers on the topic of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome starts now.
A syndrome is a collection of symptoms signifying a disease. Zollinger-Ellison is not a common disorder. However, it can be quite frightening and dangerous due to its ability to multiply and develop as cancer. This condition is exemplified by a single or many abnormal growths (tumors) in the pancreas and the small intestines particularly, the duodenum. As a result, this syndrome provides an elevated gastrin level in the blood which consecutively produces an excessive stomach acid. In general, a half to two thirds of a single Zollinger-Ellison tumor can multiply and mature as a gastronomic cancer that can affect other vital organs in the digestive system. The incidence of this disease was prevalently detected among males aging from 30-50 years old. Studies also suggest that gastrinomas, which is a major symptom of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome carries a genetic factor. This is evident in about 25% of affected individuals who show that someone in their bloodline developed gastrinomas before them.
Its symptoms are characterized by:
-Weight loss
-Excessive gastroesophageal reflux (a condition when stomach contents backs up from the stomach to the esophagus)
-Diarrhea
-Burning pain in the stomach
-Intermittent nausea and vomiting of blood
Doctors and medical professionals utilize many tests and diagnostic procedures to confirm an affliction of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The tests are as follows:
–Calcium infusion test
-Octreotide scan
-Abdominal CT scan
-Exploratory surgery
-Secret in stimulation test
-Endoscopic ultrasound
-Gastrin blood level
When an occurrence of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome has been confirmed, drug treatment is necessary. Among the powerful medications that are used and recommended in managing this disorder are the Proton-pump inhibitors, Pantoprazole, Dexlansoprazole, Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Rabeprazole, and Omeprazole. Proton-pump inhibitors are proven to be effective in alleviating diarrhea and abdominal pains. Additionally, they are also a world-renowned long-term remedy to decrease the production of gastric acid in the stomach. With the help of medicines and technology of today, surgical procedures to inhibit acid production are not very common. Moreover, surgical treatments to eliminate gastric tumors are only applied when an evidence of “no gastrinoma multiplication” has been corroborated.
As bad as it may sound, the treatment for the syndrome Zollinger-Ellison can be continuous as shown by a small number of individuals that had achieved complete healing. Furthermore, there are several impediments that may be encountered while undertaking treatments for Zollinger-Ellison such as:
-Excessive diarrhea that can eventually result to severe weight loss
-Intestinal bleeding
-An extensive spread of tumors
-Instances of unsuccessful establishment of a tumor’s location during a surgical procedure.
Nonetheless, with the use of effective medication and other appropriate treatments, Zollinger-Ellison patients can withstand this disease. Early diagnosis and regular doctor’s visits will give a lot of help and assistance to every patient suffering from gastrinomas and the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES).
