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Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Prolactin Structure. Courtesy Boris TM at Wikipedia.
Prolactin Structure. Courtesy Boris TM at Wikipedia.

What Is Hyperprolactinemia?

[dropcap]H yperprolactinemia is an excess secretion of prolactin hormone causing an elevated blood level that is characterized by its effects on reproduction: in females causing  amenorrhea and in males causing reduced sexual potency.

Q: What is prolactin?

A: Prolactin is a hormone produced by the the anterior pituitary gland that is transported by the bloodstream to stimulate androgen hormone production in male and estrogen hormone production in female sex glands. However, too much prolactin inhibits hormone production of estrogen in women and testosterone in men.

In pregnant females upon delivery of a baby, prolactin stimulates breast development and milk production for the purpose of feeding the infant. Sucking by the infant stimulates the release of prolactin which keeps the milk supply adequate.

Prolactin also promotes autoimmune mechanisms. Prolactin interferes specifically with B cell tolerance induction, enhances proliferative response to antigens and mitogens and increases the production of immune globulins, cytokines and autoantibodies.1

Other conditions that can stimulate prolactin release include nutritional deficiencies, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland, stress, exercise, and anterior pituitary tumors.

What Is An Elevated Prolactin Level In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Sources:
  1. Shelly S, Boaz M, Orbach H. Prolactin and autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev. 2012 May;11(6-7):A465-70. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.11.009. [↩]

Migraine (Headache)

Baby with Allergic Reaction to Peanuts. GFW
Baby with Allergic Reaction to Peanuts. GFW photo.

What Is Food Allergy?

[dropcap]F ood allergy is an abnormal immune response to food proteins that may damage the small intestinal  lining and produce malabsorption of food. The reaction is usually delayed which makes it difficult to identify the offending food that is causing symptoms.

Q: How does food allergy develop?

A: The gastrointestinal tract serves not only to digest and absorb foodstuffs but also to protect the body from unwanted substances. When allergic food substances are eaten, the immune response that is triggered in the gut produces inflammation with symptoms such as pain, vomiting and loose bowels.

Inflammation causes swelling of the gut lining that can interfere with the passage of nutrients through it to the body which results in malabsorption. Malabsorption deprives the body of nutrients needed for normal function.

Symptoms other than digestive may involve skin rashes, hives, and respiratory difficulties that can be distressing and life-threatening.

What Is Food Allergy In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Ulceration And Stenosis, Postbulbar Duodenal

What Is Postbulbar Duodenal Ulceration/Stenosis?

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]ostbulbar duodenal ulceration is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by thickening of the intestinal lining with excoriation penetrating the muscularis mucosae (muscle layer of the intestine) associated with villous atrophy.

The ulcer is well-defined. Stenosis due to thickening of the area narrows the hollow inside of the duodenum which impairs passage of foodstuffs and may lead to obstruction.

Q: Is postbulbar duodenal ulceration painful?

A: Postbulbar duodenal ulceration may not cause symptoms but usually causes gnawing pain that is relieved by eating food. After eating there develops nausea and bloating.

Complications include obstruction, bleeding, and perforation of the duodenal lining. Ulcers do not usually become malignant.

What Is Postbulbar Duodenal Ulceration/Stenosis In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Volvulus

Small Bowel Volvulus, Courtesy African Journal of Pediatric Surgery.
Small Bowel Volvulus Caused the  Enlarged Dark Loops. Courtesy African Journal of Pediatric Surgery.

What Is Volvulus?

[dropcap]V[/dropcap]olvulus is twisting of a loop(s) of bowel onto itself which effectively closes it thus preventing digested matter from passing and causing engorgement of the closed loop with gas and fluid.

Q: How does the bowel get untwisted?

A: This condition usually necessitates surgical correction although some do return to their proper position.

The danger is that there may develop necrosis of the twisted loop(s) in which case, if left untreated, death will ensue.

What Is Volvulus In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?