What is Zollinger-Elison syndrome (ZES)? 

Jollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare digestive disorder. If you have ZES, you may have one or more tumors in some area of small intestine, pancreas, or both. These tumors, called gastrinomas, secrete the hormone gastrin. This causes too much acid to be excreted from the stomach. Stomach acid is needed to break down food.

However, too much acid can cause painful peptic ulcers on the lining of your stomach and intestines. Although gastronoma tumors cause health problems, they are not usually cancerous tumors. Almost anyone can have ZES, but those with a genetic disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) are at higher risk for the disease. ZES is more common in men between the ages of 30 and 50.

What are the symptoms of Jollinger-Ellison syndrome? 

The symptoms of ZES are similar to those of other ulcers. They are: 

Feeling sick

Vomiting

Weight loss

Diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Severe heartburn (GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Intestinal bleeding (e.g. black or terry stool, or blood in stool) 

How is Zollinger-Elison Syndrome treated? 

Drugs called proton pump inhibitors can help to manage excess stomach acid. These drugs help to stop the development of ulcers. These include esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, dexlansoprazole, rabeprazole, and omeprazole. 

Summary 

In most people with ZES, tumors grow slowly and don’t spread quickly. If you can manage the ulcers, you can enjoy a good quality of life. The 10-year survival rate is very good, although a few people do get এ more serious disease.

However, ZES can sometimes be a serious health concern. if you suffer from any of the symptoms for more than a few days then please consult with your doctor immediately.