Zollinger-Ellison syndrome causes, symptoms and treatment with generic aciphex

What is Zollinger-Ellison syndrom?

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a rare condition characterized by peptic ulcers. It is caused by a non-beta islet cell which is a gastrin-secreting tumor of the pancreas that stimulates the acid-secreting cells of the stomach to maximal activity, with consequent gastrointestinal mucosal ulceration. Physicians diagnose Zollinger-Ellison syndrome through blood tests to measure levels of gastrin and gastric acid secretion. This works on stomach parietal cells causing them to secrete more hydrogen ions means acid fluid into the stomach cavity. In addition, gastrin causes parietal cell hyperplasia. It produces enzymes that break down fat, protein, and carbohydrates from food, and hormones like insulin that break down sugar. Patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. The diagnosis is also suspected in patients without symptoms who have severe ulceration of the stomach and small bowel. The ulcers caused by ZES are generally more painful and less responsive to treatment than ordinary peptic ulcers. The disease may occur at any time, but the average age at diagnosis is 50. The primary tumor is usually located in the duodenum, the pancreas, and abdominal lymph nodes.

Causes of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

The Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is serious and potentially life-threatening because the tumours producing the gastrin may spread. Most often, treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome consists of medications to reduce acid and heal the ulcers. The exact cause of this syndrome is still not clear to us. The syndrome begins when a tumor or tumors form in your pancreas, duodenum or the lymph nodes adjacent to your pancreas. The pancreas also produces several hormones, including gastrin, a hormone that controls stomach acid production. The tumors that occur with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are made up of cells that secrete very large amounts of gastrin, which in turn causes the stomach to produce far too much acid. The excessive acid then leads to peptic ulcers and sometimes to diarrhea. In addition to causing excess acid production, the tumors may be cancerous (malignant). The tumors themselves grow slowly, but the cancer can spread elsewhere — most commonly to nearby lymph nodes or your liver.

Symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Symptoms of this condition are similar to those of peptic ulcer. For instance, common symptoms include heartburn and a burning or aching sensation in the upper abdomen. Addition symptoms include diarrhea, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and digestive tract bleeding, heart burn, burning and pain in the stomach, loose motions, bleeding in the stools and weight loss. These symptoms normally mistakes for other digestive problems making the situation worse. Therefore it is important to notice and keep a record of symptoms of zollinger-ellison syndrome. Treatment with drugs such as rabeprazole should be done as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Treatment of treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

It is important to diagnose of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome as early as possible and to initiate treatment at the earliest with drugs like generic aciphex, in order to prevent local complications and the spread of the tumor to other parts of the body. Other medicines can be given in addition to generic aciphex to improve the therapeutic response to the drug therapy, prevent long term complications and improve the survival rate. People suffering from symptoms of hyperacidity should avoid prolonged self-treatment, since this may mask the symptoms and delay the diagnosis of this condition. Generic Aciphex (Rabeprazole Sodium) is classified as “proton (acid) pump inhibitor”. Generic Aciphex (Rabeprazole Sodium) works by blocking a specific enzyme which is essential for the production of stomach acid. By this action of Rabeprazole sodium, acid production decreases and helps to heal stomach and esophagus. Thus it is helpful in treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.