Question 1

What is Gastric Hypersecretion?

Accepted Answer

Gastric hypersecretion is a condition where the stomach produces excessive amounts of gastric acid. It is caused by elevated levels of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates acid production, often due to conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or gastrin-producing tumors. The Gastrin blood test is the most important test for diagnosing this condition.

Question 2

What causes gastric hypersecretion?

Accepted Answer

Gastric hypersecretion is caused by abnormally high levels of gastrin, a hormone produced by specialized cells in the stomach and small intestine. When gastrin levels become elevated, they overstimulate the stomach lining to produce excessive amounts of gastric acid. Common causes include Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, gastrinomas (gastrin-secreting tumors typically located in the pancreas or duodenum), and certain medications like proton pump inhibitors taken long-term. In some cases, Helicobacter pylori infection or chronic kidney disease can also lead to elevated gastrin levels and increased acid production.

Question 3

What is the best test for gastric hypersecretion?

Accepted Answer

The Gastrin blood test is the most important test for gastric hypersecretion because it directly measures the hormone responsible for stimulating stomach acid production. Elevated gastrin levels are the primary indicator of this condition and help identify underlying causes like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or gastrin-producing tumors. This test is essential for diagnosis because while symptoms like heartburn and stomach pain may suggest excess acid production, only measuring gastrin levels can confirm the hormonal imbalance driving the condition. Healthcare providers use gastrin test results to determine the severity of hypersecretion and develop targeted treatment strategies to manage excessive acid production and prevent complications like severe ulcers and bleeding.

Question 4

When should I get tested for gastric hypersecretion?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent heartburn that does not respond to standard treatments, recurrent stomach ulcers, severe abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, or frequent acid reflux symptoms. Testing is especially important if you have peptic ulcers that keep coming back despite treatment, unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, or a family history of gastrin-producing tumors. You might also consider testing if you notice ongoing nausea, difficulty swallowing, or weight loss combined with digestive symptoms. Early detection through gastrin testing can prevent serious complications like perforation of stomach ulcers and identify treatable underlying conditions before they cause permanent damage.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of gastric hypersecretion?

Accepted Answer

The primary symptoms of gastric hypersecretion include burning stomach pain, severe and persistent heartburn, frequent acid reflux, and nausea. You might experience abdominal discomfort that worsens between meals or at night, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. Many people notice that their symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter antacids or standard acid-reducing medications. In more severe cases, you may experience gastrointestinal bleeding, which can appear as black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, along with fatigue from anemia and unintended weight loss.

Question 6

Who is at risk for gastric hypersecretion?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome have an increased risk of developing gastric hypersecretion due to gastrin-producing tumors. Those with a personal history of peptic ulcers, chronic Helicobacter pylori infection, or gastroesophageal reflux disease are at higher risk. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors can also elevate gastrin levels and increase risk. Additionally, individuals with chronic kidney disease, pernicious anemia, or previous stomach surgery may be more susceptible to developing abnormal gastrin levels and subsequent gastric hypersecretion.

Question 7

What happens if gastric hypersecretion is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If left untreated, gastric hypersecretion can lead to severe and recurrent peptic ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, which may perforate and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Chronic exposure to excessive stomach acid can damage the esophagus, leading to Barrett esophagus, a precancerous condition that increases the risk of esophageal cancer. The condition can cause chronic diarrhea leading to malabsorption of nutrients, vitamin deficiencies, and significant weight loss. Untreated gastrinomas associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may grow and spread to other organs, making treatment more difficult and reducing long-term survival rates.

Question 8

Can gastric hypersecretion be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gastric hypersecretion can be effectively diagnosed with a blood test that measures gastrin hormone levels. The Gastrin blood test is the primary diagnostic tool because elevated gastrin directly indicates the hormonal cause of excessive stomach acid production. While symptoms and endoscopy can suggest the condition, only blood testing can confirm abnormal gastrin levels and distinguish gastric hypersecretion from other digestive disorders. Your healthcare provider may also recommend fasting before the test and may perform additional testing, such as a secretin stimulation test, to further evaluate gastrin response and identify specific underlying causes like gastrinomas.

Question 9

How is gastric hypersecretion treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for gastric hypersecretion focuses on reducing stomach acid production and addressing the underlying cause. High-dose proton pump inhibitors are the primary medication used to control excessive acid secretion and heal ulcers. If a gastrinoma or tumor is identified as the cause, surgical removal may be necessary to eliminate the source of excess gastrin production. For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, long-term acid suppression therapy combined with monitoring for tumor growth is essential. In some cases, octreotide, a medication that inhibits gastrin release, may be prescribed. Treatment is individualized based on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and presence of complications.

Question 10

How can I prevent gastric hypersecretion?

Accepted Answer

While some causes of gastric hypersecretion like genetic syndromes cannot be prevented, you can reduce your risk by treating Helicobacter pylori infections promptly, avoiding long-term unnecessary use of proton pump inhibitors without medical supervision, and managing existing digestive conditions properly. If you have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia or gastrin-producing tumors, regular screening with your healthcare provider can help detect problems early. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress, and not smoking can also support overall digestive health and may reduce the risk of conditions that lead to abnormal gastrin production.

Question 11

What can I do at home for gastric hypersecretion?

Accepted Answer

While medical treatment is essential for gastric hypersecretion, you can manage symptoms at home by eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce acid stimulation, avoiding trigger foods like spicy dishes, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty foods that increase acid production. Elevating the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches can help prevent nighttime acid reflux. Avoiding lying down for at least three hours after eating and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on your stomach. Stress management techniques like meditation and deep breathing may help, as stress can worsen symptoms. However, these home measures should complement, not replace, medical treatment and monitoring for this serious condition.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Gastric Hypersecretion Blood Test

What is Gastric Hypersecretion?

What causes gastric hypersecretion?

What is the best test for gastric hypersecretion?

When should I get tested for gastric hypersecretion?

References

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