hypersecretory

Hypersecretory is a term used in medicine to describe an abnormally increased secretion from glands or mucous membranes, or excessive production of secretions by exocrine or epithelial cells. It denotes a state rather than a disease and can be localized to a tissue or occur systemically.

Causes include heightened glandular activity due to hormonal stimulation, autonomic or inflammatory signaling, genetic alterations that affect secretory pathways, and neoplasms that produce secretagogues or hormones. Secondary factors such as infection or chronic irritation can also drive hypersecretory states.

Common contexts involve several organ systems. In the respiratory tract, mucous hypersecretion is seen in chronic bronchitis, COPD, and cystic fibrosis, contributing to airway obstruction and infection. In the gastrointestinal tract, gastric hypersecretion occurs in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, while secretory diarrhea may arise from VIP-secreting tumors or enterotoxins. Secretory glands can also be involved, with lacrimal or salivary hypersecretion and sweat gland overactivity (hyperhidrosis). Some hypersecretory conditions involve excess hormone production, leading to systemic effects depending on the hormone involved (for example gastrin, cortisol, or thyroid hormones).

Clinical considerations focus on the symptoms produced by the excess secretions and on identifying the underlying cause. Evaluation may include quantifying secretions and performing laboratory tests, imaging, and, when appropriate, stimulation or suppression tests.

Management depends on the underlying etiology and may involve treating the primary disease, using agents that modulate secretion, supportive care to maintain hydration and electrolytes, and, for neoplastic causes, surgical or targeted therapies. Prognosis varies with the cause and response to treatment.