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Carcinoid Syndrome
August 12, 2009 |
Laughter, embarrassment, even a warm cup of tea can make your face rosey, but if
you’re finding your face flushing all of the time, there could be a bigger issue
emerging.
"There is a syndrome called Carcinoid Syndrome.
It’s a tumor and there’s other types
of tumors that produce a particular hormone called Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome which
is a gasterine producing tumor, which may be associated with flushing episodes,”
explains Dr. H. Scott Harris, a gastroenterologist on the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System.
This tumor can cause your stomach systems to malfunction. “It’s a tumor that produces
a protein that tells your stomach to continue to make more acid, even though it
doesn’t need any more. So, your stomach is in overdrive producing acid out of proporation
to what’s necessary for normal.” That acid, often from untreated reflux disease,
can overwhelm the small intestines and the protective systems in the stomach. This
spurs ulcers, which could lead to cancer.
“There are things people can do: caffeine, alcohol, smoking, a variety of things
that people can do can exacerbate or make reflux disease worse that can lead to
further damage of the esophagus,” says Dr. Harris.
In an effort to avoid face flushing, doctors suggest avoiding extremely spicy food
or hot drinks. You are also encouraged to contact your doctor if you are experiencing
excessive face flushing.
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