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Rare Stomach Disorders

The stomach is tasked with storing food, mixing it with enzymes and acids and sending its contents to the small intestine. Stomach troubles are common, but a few rare disorders can interfere with this cycle as well.

  1. Zollinger-Ellison Disorder

    • A troublesome yet rare ailment is Zollinger-Ellison disorder. Those afflicted suffer from tumors in the pancreas or duodenum that secrete the hormone gastrin, causing excess acid to form.

    Prune Belly Syndrome

    • Prune Belly syndrome is characterized by abnormalities in the stomach wall and urinary tract. According to the Prune Belly Syndrome Network, it occurs in 1 out of 40,000 births.

    Achlorhydria

    • Achlorhydria occurs when the stomach fails to produce sufficient acid to ensure proper digestion. Potential complications include anemia, chronic diarrhea, weight loss and even hallucinations and memory defects.

    Significance

    • According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), 14 percent of all U.S. hospital procedures in 2002 were related to some form of gastrointestinal distress.

    Research

    • If you are diagnosed with a rare stomach disorder, you can investigate if clinical trials are under way at http://clinicaltrials.gov. These trials are sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

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