Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
Pathological hypersecretory conditions are disorders in which the stomach produces far more acid than it should. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the best known, involves tumours that drive this excess, causing ulcers, reflux and diarrhoea.
Key points
- The gastrinoma tumours that drive these conditions sit mainly in the pancreas or duodenum and secrete gastrin, a hormone that signals the stomach to produce acid.
- Because the excess stomach acid is the direct problem, treatment targets suppressing it.
Medicines listed for Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions
The listed product, Protonix, contains pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that works by blocking the acid-producing pumps in the stomach lining. It is listed in 20mg and 40mg tablet strengths.