Zollinger-ellison syndrome

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (gastrinoma) is a rare disorder that causes tumors in the pancreas and duodenum, and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. The pancrea is a gland located behind the stomach. It produces enzymes that break down fat, protein, and carbohydrates from food, and hormones like insulin that break down sugar. The duodenum is the top part of the small intestine. The tumors are cancerous in 50 percent of the cases. They secrete a substance called gastrin that causes the stomach to produce too much acid, which in turn causes the stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers). The ulcers caused by Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are more painful and less responsive to treatment than ordinary peptic ulcers.

• Chronic diarrhea 
• Burning stomach pain 
• Heartburn 
• Nausea, vomiting blood
• Weight loss 
• Decreased energy 
• Intestinal bleeding
• Peptic ulcer pain
• Fatigue
• Weakness

No one knows why some people develop ZES. About 75 percent of ZES patients have no other illnesses or risk factors that seem to make them more prone to ZES. Approximately 25 percent of ZES patients have the condition as part of a very complex, inherited syndrome called multiple endocrine neoplasia, Type I (MEN1). In MEN1, tumors develop in a number of locations throughout the body. If you have MEN1, you will probably experience a variety of other symptoms, in addition to those from ZES. These symptoms may begin at an earlier age (usually by age 20). The families of people with MEN1 should be screened for the condition because it is hereditary. Since researchers don't understand why people develop ZES, there are no known ways to prevent its development. But the family members of those who have ZES as part of MEN1 should be checked, because MEN1 is inheritable. This check may help identify ZES early on, when curative surgery is more likely to be effective.

The causes of Zollinger Ellison Syndrome are unknown. What causes people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome to develop tumors is also unknown, but the cause may be an abnormal tumor suppressor gene. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome usually occurs in people between ages 30 and 60. Symptoms include signs of peptic ulcers: gnawing, burning pain in the abdomen; nausea; vomiting; fatigue; weakness; and weight loss. Diarrhea is also a symptom.

Physicians diagnose Zollinger-Ellison syndrome through blood tests to measure levels of gastrin. If this test doesn't confirm the diagnosis and the doctor continues to suspect ZES, you may be given a large dose of another digestive hormone called secretin. An additional blood test will show whether this dose of secretin causes your body to produce even more gastrin; this confirms the diagnosis of ZES. They may check for ulcers by taking x-rays of the stomach and duodenum. A CT scan or MRI may be performed to try to search for tumors in the pancreas, duodenum or liver. An octreotide scan -- a special test that causes tumors to show up on an X-ray -- may also be done. Your doctor may have you undergo an esophagogastroduodenoscopy or upper endoscopy.

Poor food combinations are very harmful during this condition. It is better to adopt a simple diet consisting of vegetables, fish and fruits.

It is better to rest in this condition and try not getting angry. Feelings of anger and emotional stress should be kept in check at all times.

Prolonged stress and nervous tension must be avoided. This only makes the condition worse. Relaxation techniques should be followed and adopted to relieve the mind and the body.