Thursday, February 10, 2011

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) is a rare disorder that causes one or more tumors to form in the pancreas or the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum. It can also cause ulcers to develop in the stomach and the duodenum.

The tumors are called gastrinomas, and they secrete a large amount of the hormone gastrin. This then causes an excessive production of stomach acid, which can lead to peptic ulcers.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is rare, and though it may occur at any age, people between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to develop it. Also, of all the people who suffer with a peptic ulcer, only a tiny percentage of those people will have Zollinger-Ellison.

The tumors are cancerous in 50 percent of the cases. They secrete a hormone called gastrin that causes the stomach to produce too much acid, which in turn causes stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers). The ulcers caused by ZES are less responsive to treatment than ordinary peptic ulcers. What causes people with ZES to develop tumors is unknown, but approximately 25 percent of ZES cases are associated with a genetic disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia. Gnawing, burning pain in the abdomen This pain is usually located in the area between the breastbone and the navel. Sensation of pressure, bloating, or fullness This pain usually develops 30 to 90 minutes after a meal, and is often relieved by antacids.Pain or burning sensation in the abdomen that travels up toward the throat Vomiting The vomit may contain blood or resemble coffee grounds.Diarrhea Black, tarry stools Blood in the stools will turn them dark red or black, and make them tarry or sticky.Nausea Fatigue Weakness Weight loss Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is caused by a tumor (gastrinoma) or tumors in the pancreas and the upper small bowel (duodenum). These tumors produce the hormone gastrin and are called gastrinomas. High levels of gastrin cause overproduction of stomach acid. This increase in acidity can lead to the development of peptic ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Blood test.
A blood test is performed to see whether there is an increased gastrin level in the blood. An elevated level of gastrin may indicate tumors in the pancreas or duodenum.

Barium X-ray.
The patient drinks a liquid that contains barium, which will coat the walls of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. X-rays are then taken. The doctor will then view the X-rays, looking for signs of ulcers.

Upper endoscopy.
The doctor examines the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum with an instrument called an endoscope, a thin flexible lighted tube with a lens. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the throat, and into the stomach and duodenum. The doctor can look for ulcers, and can also remove a tissue sample, called a biopsy, for examination in the laboratory to identify if there is the presence of gastrin-producing tumors.

Imaging techniques.
A doctor may use a computerized tomography (CT) scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and ultrasound, or a nuclear scan in an effort to pinpoint where tumors may be located. A CT scan is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays with aided by computer technology. The X-ray beams are taken from many different angles to create cross-sectional images of the patient's body. Then a computer assembles these images into a three-dimensional picture that can display organs, bones, and tissues in great detail.

With the MRI scan, magnetic signals are used rather than X-rays to create images of the human body. These images show the differences between types of tissues.

An ultrasound sends out high frequency sound waves which go into area being examined, and bounce back when they hit an organ. This is processed by a computer, which produces a map of the area being scanned.

With the nuclear scan, radioactive substances are introduced into the body that permit a gamma camera to detect tumors.

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Part 1: Symptoms - Causes - Diagnosis
Part 2: Complications - Treatment - Prognosis


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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

When Does Heartburn Strike?

If you know when your heartburn is most likely to occur, there are steps you can take ahead of time to prevent it. Certain foods can aggravate your heartburn symptoms. If you find that you frequently suffer heartburn after eating, it will be helpful for you to limit or avoid completely those foods and drinks that result in acid reflux. The following resources will help you accomplish that.

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Nearly eight in ten heartburn sufferers experience symptoms at night. There are tips you can follow to relieve nighttime heartburn.

Find useful tips at Easing Nighttime Heartburn

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While stress hasn't been linked directly to heartburn, it is known that it can lead to behaviors that can trigger heartburn. During stressful times, routines are disrupted and people may not follow their normal routines in regards to meals, exercise, and medication. It is important to find ways to alleviate the stress, and thus make stress-related heartburn less likely.

Follow the relaxation tips at Managing Stress to Ease the Heartburn

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Exercise is rarely the cause of heartburn if a person doesn't suffer from chronic heartburn otherwise. But some exercises can induce episodes of acid reflux. Acid reflux happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is loose, opens inappropriately and allows stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux usually happens during certain types of exercise, not necessarily during all exercise.

Find exercise tips at Heartburn and Exercise

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Alcohol can have several unpleasant affects on heartburn sufferers. It is best to avoid alcohol as much as possible if you suffer from acid reflux. But there are a few tips that may make it possible for you to enjoy alcoholic beverages if consumed in moderation.

Find those tips at Heartburn and Alcohol

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If you smoke, consider stopping or decreasing the amount you smoke. Smoking stimulates the production of stomach acid, and can weaken and relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing this excess acid to reflux back up into the esophagus.

Read those reasons at Heartburn and Smoking


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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Your Guide to Hiatal Hernias

There are two categories of hiatal hernias, sliding and para-esophageal.

Sliding hiatal hernias are those in which the gastro-esophageal junction and part of the stomach slides into the chest. This junction can stay permanently in the chest, or just slide into the chest during swallowing. The later results because with each swallow, the esophagus contracts, causing the esophagus to shorten and pull on the stomach. After the swallow, the junction falls back into the abdomen. Approximately 90% of all hiatal hernias are the sliding type.

With para-esophageal hernias, the gastro-esophageal junction remains where it belongs, but part of the stomach is squeezed up into the chest beside the esophagus. These hernias remain in the chest at all times. With this type of hernia, complications can occur, such as incarceration and strangulation. Incarceration means the hernia is stuck and being squeezed. Strangulation results from teh lack of blood supply, leading to death ofthe tissues involved, when incarceration persists too long. Surgical intervention is required.


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