Do you often feel stomach discomfort, fullness, or other digestive problems? Sometimes the reason for this may be that the level of a hormone called `(Gastrin)` produced in your body is higher than normal. Today, we will talk about this condition called `(Hypergastrinemia)` in detail and very simply.
What is `(Hypergastrinemia)`? Let's understand exactly!
Simply put, `(Hypergastrinemia)` means that the level of `(Gastrin)`, a hormone that helps our body digest food, is higher than necessary. This `(Gastrin)` hormone is produced by a special type of cell in the stomach wall in the lower part of our stomach, that is, near the small intestine. We call this `(G cells)`.
Now look, this `(Gastrin)` hormone is what tells our stomach, "Okay, now secrete acid." This stomach acid, that is `(gastric acid), is very important for us. Because, this stomach acid helps us digest the food we eat and absorb the nutrients in that food, for example `(amino acids)` and proteins.
However, what can happen with `(Hypergastrinemia)` is a bit more complicated. Sometimes it can cause too much stomach acid (`hyperchlorhydria`), and other times it can cause too little stomach acid (`hypochlorhydria`). So how `(Hypergastrinemia)` affects you depends on other medical conditions you have, surgeries you've had, and medications you're taking.
Who is more likely to develop this condition?
In fact, this condition called ``Hypergastrinemia'' can occur to anyone, regardless of age or gender. Therefore, it is good for all of us to be aware of this.
What are the causes of `(Hypergastrinemia)`?
There can be a number of causes for this condition, including ``Hypergastrinemia.'' Some causes decrease stomach acid production, while others increase stomach acid production. Let's look at the two separately.
Causes of reduced stomach acid
When ``Hypergastrinemia`` occurs, the normal production of stomach acid may decrease due to these reasons:
- Antacids for heartburn or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): If you are constantly using these types of medications, that could also be a cause.
- Chronic atrophic gastritis: This is when the stomach wall slowly weakens and becomes inflamed over time.
- Colorectal cancer: This can also be affected.
- `(H. pylori)` infection: `(Helicobacter pylori)` is a bacteria that can live in the stomach. This infection is also a cause of `(Hypergastrinemia).`
- Kidney failure: This condition can occur when the kidneys are not working properly.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Long-term use of PPI medications (such as omeprazole) for gastritis, acid reflux, indigestion, or peptic ulcer disease is also a major cause.
- Vagotomy: This involves removing part of the vagus nerve. This nerve runs from the brain to the stomach and carries signals to the heart and digestive system. Hypergastrinemia can occur after this surgery.
Causes of increased stomach acid
Now let's look at what causes increased stomach acid production (Hypergastrinemia):
- Antral G-cell hyperplasia (pseudo-Zollinger-Ellison syndrome / Ps-ZES): This is a rare condition. It is similar to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, but there are no gastrin-producing tumors in the pancreas or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
- Gastric outlet obstruction: This condition can occur when the passageway from the stomach to the small intestine is blocked. Think of it like a clogged water pipe.
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 (MEN-1): This condition causes neuroendocrine tumors to develop in the adrenal glands, thyroid glands, or parathyroid glands.
- Retained antrum syndrome: This condition can occur if a small piece of the lower part of the stomach (the antrum) is left behind after surgery to remove tumors or treat ulcers.
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES): This is a condition in which tumors overproduce the hormone gastrin. This condition (ZES) can cause stomach ulcers.
What are the symptoms of the condition `(Hypergastrinemia)`?
If you have `(Hypergastrinemia)`, you may experience symptoms like these:
- Abdominal pain: You may experience frequent stomach aches.
- Chronic diarrhea: Diarrhea that lasts for several days.
- Pancreatic tumors: These can be cancerous or benign tumors.
- Stomach ulcers: Sores that occur with inflammation of the stomach.
- Severe esophagitis: Severe inflammation and pain in the esophagus.
How do doctors diagnose this condition?
To accurately diagnose hypergastrinemia, doctors need to determine how much acid your stomach is producing. They also measure the level of gastrin in your blood.
- Before this test, your doctor will tell you to fast (not eat) for a certain period of time .
- Also, if you are taking PPI medication, you will need to stop taking it about a week before the test .
- Then, they take a sample of your blood and check your Gastrin levels. Sometimes, they may take these blood samples several times a day, over a period of several days, to see if your Gastrin levels change.
If your doctor suspects hypergastrinemia, they may order additional tests to rule out other conditions, including:
- Secretin stimulation test: This involves giving you an infusion of a hormone called secretin, which is produced by the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). If your gastrin levels suddenly increase significantly, it could be a sign of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
- Stomach pH testing: This checks the acid levels in your stomach. A pH of less than 2 is also a sign that you may have Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
How is Hypergastrinemia treated?
The treatment for hypergastrinemia depends on the cause.
- Colon cancer, esophageal obstruction, kidney disease, and conditions such as `(MEN-1)` and `(ZES)`: When these conditions are treated (often through surgery), the symptoms of `(Hypergastrinemia)` also resolve.
- Atrophic gastritis (ACG) and H. pylori infection: These conditions can be treated with antibiotics.
- Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs): If you are taking a PPI, the hypergastrinemia will usually resolve within five to seven days after stopping the medication.
- Retained antrum syndrome: Removing the remaining antral tissue in the lower part of the stomach can reduce the amount of extra stomach acid produced.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your condition.
Can I reduce the risk of `(Hypergastrinemia)`?
If you are a long-term user of antacids or PPIs, there is a risk of developing hypergastrinemia. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to manage this risk.
If I have `(Hypergastrinemia)`, what can I expect? What happens if it is not treated?
If hypergastrinemia is not treated properly, the body's gastrin levels remain high. Researchers suspect that this may contribute to the growth of cancer cells. For example:
- Blood cancers: such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
- Esophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Also, long-term `(Hypergastrinemia)` can lead to stomach tumors `(gastric carcinoids` or `gastric adenocarcinoma`). There are two types of `(gastric carcinoids)`:
- Type I gastric carcinoids: These are associated with the condition chronic atrophic gastritis.
- It mostly occurs in women.
- It can be seen in several places in the stomach.
- The chance of developing cancer is low.
- Type II gastric carcinoids: These are associated with the conditions ZES and MEN-1.
- It can occur in both men and women.
- It can be seen in several places in the stomach.
- Sometimes it can turn into cancer (between 7% and 12%).
What is the outlook for someone with `(Hypergastrinemia)`?
The future health status of a person with ``Hypergastrinemia`` depends on several factors:
- The cause of the disease.
- Genetics.
- Health history.
- Lifestyle.
However, with proper treatment, people with ``Hypergastrinemia'' can lead active, normal lives.
I have `(Hypergastrinemia)`, how can I take care of myself?
If you are taking antacids or PPIs for a long time, it is important to have regular medical checkups. Consult your doctor for advice.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience any of these new symptoms, or if you feel like your existing symptoms are getting worse, be sure to see a doctor and get a full checkup.
Things to remember in summary
Okay then, let's simply remember what we talked about:
- Hypergastrinemia is an increase in the hormone gastrin in the body.
- This hormone (Gastrin) affects the acid levels in the stomach (acid can increase or decrease).
- There can be many reasons – things like `(PPI)`/continuous use of antacids, `(H. pylori)` infection, gastritis, `(Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)`.
- Doctors diagnose this by testing the level of ``Gastrin''.
- Treatment is based on the underlying cause.
- Don't ignore the symptoms, as they can develop into tumors and cancer if left untreated! Seek medical advice immediately.
I hope you find this information useful. Stay healthy!
` Hypergastrinemia, Gastrin, Stomach acid, Digestion, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, H. pylori, PPI, Gastritis, Stomach inflammation
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