Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which plays an important role in digestion. Statistics indicate that every eighth man and every fourth woman faces this diagnosis. The elderly and overweight people are at risk. Symptoms of pancreatitis in men usually appear more often in a chronic form, and the weaker half of humanity often develops an acute type of the disease. The publication is devoted to the features of the disease and methods of therapy.
What is pancreatitis
Symptoms and treatment of the disease are described below. The composition of the digestive juice that secretes iron includes enzymes and bicarbonate. They pass through a small tube called the pancreatic duct and connects it to the small intestine. Enzymes help break down proteins and fats into molecules thatmay be absorbed into the blood. Bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity of the stomach acid solution. The digestive hormones glucagon and insulin released into the bloodstream control blood sugar levels. Bile, a fluid that flows from the liver to the gallbladder, joins the pancreatic enzymes and also helps in the digestion of food. Next, it is considered in what forms the pancreatitis disease manifests itself, the symptoms of the disease.
Normally, enzymes do not become active until they enter the small intestine. But when the pancreas becomes inflamed, they begin to attack and damage the tissues that produce them. Digestive juices are trapped and begin to digest the gland itself. This is how pancreatitis occurs, it can be acute or chronic. Either form can lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, and permanent tissue damage. Acute pancreatitis, the symptoms and treatment of this form of the disease are described below.
Acute and chronic pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis begins shortly after damage to the pancreas. Attacks are mostly accompanied by mild pain, but 20% of them are very serious. They last a short time, after which the body returns to its normal state. An attack of pancreatitis, the symptoms of which are described below, can be complicated. Then immediate hospitalization is needed.
Chronic pancreatitis, the symptoms and treatment of which varies from person to person,begins as acute, with attacks, and if the gland is severely affected and cannot return to its original state of tissues, then over time the disease becomes chronic. Inflammation does not go away, and the most common cause is excessive alcohol consumption for several years, hereditary diseases, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune problems.
Symptoms
Acute pancreatitis, the symptoms and treatment of which are discussed in this article, usually begins with gradually increasing or sharp pain in the upper abdomen. It may be mild and worse after eating. It also happens that the pain does not leave a person for several days, the patient looks and feels bad and needs immediate medical attention.
What are the symptoms of pancreatitis:
- vomiting and nausea;
- swollen painful belly;
- rapid heart rate;
- fever.
Such symptoms of pancreatitis in women are more common. Therefore, if there are sharp pains in the upper abdomen, vomiting and dry mouth, hiccups, then this may most likely indicate that an inflammatory process begins in the pancreas. Severe acute pancreatitis causes dehydration and low blood pressure, and the heart, lungs, or kidneys can fail. Such symptoms of pancreatitis in men and women are often the same. Bleeding in the pancreas leads to shock and often death.
Exacerbation of pancreatitis is especially dangerous, its symptoms can lead to sad consequences. The chronic form has many of the same symptoms as the acute type, but may also include diarrhea, oily stools, and weight loss.
Diagnosis
Signs of pancreatitis, its symptoms are discussed above, but how is the disease diagnosed? After a conversation and a thorough examination, the doctor prescribes blood tests that help in the diagnosis of the disease. In acute pancreatitis, the blood contains three times more than the norm of amylase and lipase. Changes in its composition can also affect compounds such as glucose, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and bicarbonate. After the attack subsides and the person's condition improves, the composition of the blood usually returns to normal.
Diagnosis of pancreatitis is often difficult due to the deep location of the pancreas, so other tests are needed which include:
- Abdominal ultrasound, in which waves are directed towards the gland through a portable device that is moved across the abdomen. They are reflected from the organs and create an image on the monitor screen. If there are stones in the gallbladder that can cause pancreatitis, then sound waves will also be reflected from them, showing their location on the screen;
- computed tomography, this method produces three-dimensional images of organs, with which you can clearly see the degree of damage to the pancreas;
- endoscopic ultrasound is also called cholangiopancreatography and allowsdetect the nature of damage to the gland and possible stones in the gallbladder. During the procedure, the throat is first anesthetized with an aerosol, and then an endoscope is inserted through the esophagus and stomach into the intestines - a thin tube with a lamp;
- Magnetic resonance imaging produces cross-sectional images of organs after a dye is injected into a vein, allowing you to see the state of the affected area.
Chronic pancreatitis, especially the symptoms of pancreatitis in men that have developed over a long period of time due to alcohol intake, is diagnosed in much the same way as acute pancreatitis, and is often confused with this form of the disease. In differential diagnosis, tangible help can be provided by studying the history of family illnesses, dietary habits, and the fact that the patient has consumed alcohol. Symptoms of the disease can develop very rapidly, this is reactive pancreatitis.
Symptoms and treatment of inflammation of the pancreas depend on the cause of the disease.
But pancreatitis is not limited to the adult population. If pancreatitis develops in children, symptoms may be due to malnutrition, congenital malformations of the digestive system, trauma, food poisoning, or antibiotics.
Reasons
Gallstones and alcohol abuse are the two main causes of pancreatitis and account for 80-95% of all cases. In men, the most commonly diagnosed alcoholic disease is pancreatitis. The most common alcoholic form of the diseasedevelops in people who regularly take alcohol for 5-7 years. Often a person seeks medical help already when the disease has taken a chronic course with recurrent exacerbations, similar to the symptoms of acute pancreatitis.
Gallstones in the gallbladder can block the pancreatic duct, preventing the normal movement of the secret and contributing to its accumulation in the organ itself. Symptoms of pancreatitis in a woman for this reason can develop after 50 years.
The remaining 10-15% of cases may be due to various factors:
- medication;
- exposure to certain chemicals;
- damages and injuries;
- hereditary diseases;
- infections;
- intestinal and pancreatic anomalies;
- high blood lipids.
In acute pancreatitis, 15% of cases of the cause remain unknown, as well as in 40% of cases of the chronic form of the disease. About what is acute pancreatitis, symptoms and treatment of the disease, read on.
Treatment
If the symptoms are mild, stopping the progression of the disease can be stopped by switching to a liquid diet with foods such as soups, broth and mashed potatoes. Avoid pain relievers that can adversely affect the liver, such as Acetaminophen, Tylenol. Treatment is always aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing further aggravation. Severe complications may require a blood transfusion or surgery.
Treatment of acute pancreatitis
This form of the disease requires hospitalization and antibiotics. The patient should not eat for several days to give the bowels a rest. The choice of therapy depends on the severity of the attack. If there are no complications, then treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and restoring pancreatic function. Intravenous medications and fluids are used for patients with swallowing problems.
If necessary, the doctor prescribes drugs for pain and nausea, antibiotics if there is an infection. Some people require a nasogastric tube, in which a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the stomach and intestines to remove excess juices and allow for feeding. If the attack lasts a long time, then nutrient solutions are administered through a dropper. With adequate treatment, acute pancreatitis is overcome within a few days.
During and after an exacerbation, it is forbidden to drink alcohol, fatty foods and smoke. After discharge, tests are necessarily carried out in order to assess the condition of the body. Signs of pancreatitis, acute symptoms discussed earlier.
ERPHG
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is used for both acute and chronic pancreatitis. It uses specialized equipment to examine the pancreas, gallbladder, and ducts, and to treat complications such as gallstones, narrowing or blockage of the duct, and fluid accumulation. With the help of suchdevices can be performed:
- sphincterotomy, in which a small incision is made in the duct with an endoscope to allow fluid to drain;
- removal of gallstones;
- installation of a stent to expand the lumen of the duct;
- balloon dilatation.
People who undergo ERCP treatments have a negligible risk of developing complications such as infections, bowel perforation, and internal bleeding. These problems are more common in patients with acute and recurrent pancreatitis. It is important to pay attention to symptoms such as abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, chills, chest and throat discomfort after the procedure and report them to your doctor immediately.
Treatment of chronic pancreatitis
With this form of the disease, therapy focuses on relieving pain and preventing further aggravation, as well as maximizing the body's ability to take and digest food. In case of severe exacerbation and the presence of complications, hospitalization may be required. The diet should be low in fat and high in carbohydrates, eating less is recommended, and more frequent meals help prevent the development of serious consequences for the pancreas. If there are problems with food processing, then oral enzyme preparations are prescribed to help digest food. People diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis are strongly advised to stop drinking alcohol. If the pancreas does not produceenough insulin and blood glucose regulation is impaired, injections of this substance may be required.
Natural pancreatitis treatment and nutritional supplements
There are a large number of herbs and various supplements that can soothe the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. Natural treatment has a certain advantage, which is that the risk of side effects is practically reduced to zero. Of course, one cannot do without the therapy prescribed by the attending physician, but it is possible to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and speed up recovery with the help of some natural herbal remedies. We list the main ones.
Dandelion extract that stimulates bile production. The plant can also be taken as a tea, for this it is necessary to use the yellow flowers before the fruit ripens.
Milk thistle extract that helps detoxify the liver, or, in other words, cleanse it of toxins. The silica present in the plant helps to repair tissues damaged by inflammation. For the recipe, you can take a teaspoon of milk thistle seeds, pour boiling water over them and insist for 2-3 hours, or take the product in the form of an alcohol tincture.
Soya helps regulate blood sugar levels. You can use raw beans, soy milk. Turmeric contains a compound that has the ability to reduce inflammation in the pancreas. You can add this seasoning to dishes or take supplements based onthis product. However, people suffering from hypoglycemia should not use this remedy in large quantities.
Gentian root is considered a very effective natural remedy for the treatment of pancreatitis, as it contains glycosides and alkaloids. These ingredients help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You need to take the plant in the form of tea, simply by boiling two tablespoons of crushed roots in a liter of water. The taste of such an infusion will be a little bitter, so you can add orange or lemon juice to it. It is important that taking such a remedy is not recommended for pregnant women and people who suffer from high blood pressure and stomach diseases.
Chamomile has soothing properties and brings tangible relief from inflammation of the pancreas. The most important constituents of the plant in this regard are coumarins, vegetable acids, glycosides and salicylates. Drink chamomile tea and use the plant's essential oil as aromatherapy.
Olive and garlic with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Olive oil helps to destroy free radicals in the body, which only increase the symptoms of pancreatitis in men and women. Add oil to salads and use it in other dishes.
Also useful in pancreatitis are vitamins that need to be taken in a complex, and lecithin, which promotes the absorption of fats. Your doctor may also prescribe lactobacilli,for example, the remedy "Acidophyllin", which restores the normal microflora in the intestine. For many, the use of supplements based on these compounds helps to quickly get rid of the painful symptoms of the disease. However, you should not take them on your own, it is better to consult a doctor about this. This is to avoid negative interactions with prescription drugs.
Your doctor may recommend a multivitamin containing antioxidants such as vitamin A, E, C and B vitamins, minerals, trace elements, especially calcium, magnesium, selenium and zinc. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in high amounts in flaxseed oil and fish oil, help to optimize the functioning of the immune system and reduce inflammation. Each of these products comes in convenient capsule form, available at almost any pharmacy.
Features of nutrition in pancreatitis
You can prevent attacks of pancreatitis, symptoms of the disease by following a special diet and avoiding certain foods. Here are a few rules regarding the diet of a sick person.
Choose low-fat foods to avoid further flare-ups and attacks. The daily rate of fat should be no more than 30-35 grams. It is necessary to refuse fried foods and fast food products, as they contain a lot of harmful trans fats and fatty acids. Such foods include donuts, french fries, cookies and crackers, pastries and cakes. It is recommended to use not margarine and butter, but oils: olive, linseed, sunflower, corn.
Eat lean protein, it also helps control inflammation. Choose protein sources such as fish, poultry, beans, soy products, but avoid red meat. Avoid fatty dairy products - cheese, ice cream, milk, sour cream. Eggs, especially the yolk, are also not recommended, but you can make an omelette from protein. It is useful to cook for a couple, for example, for dinner, you can boil broccoli and a piece of chicken breast, choose a glass of tomato juice or low-fat kefir from drinks. For lunch, you can cook all kinds of broths, both vegetable and lean meat, fresh vegetable salads seasoned with olive oil. From bakery products, choose bread with whole grain additives, cereal bread, try to remove white bread from the diet, rich pastries such as pies, buns and cheesecakes.
Include complex carbohydrates in your diet. Eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, such as cherries, sweet cherries, tomatoes, bell peppers, blueberries, and cranberries. Eat more green and leafy vegetables - cabbage, spinach, lettuce, as they contain a large amount of iron and B vitamins that are useful for pancreatitis. Whole grains are considered a wonderful source of complex, or slow, carbohydrates: oatmeal, millet, pearl barley, brown rice. Limit your intake of refined and processed foods, as well as foods high instarches: pasta, white bread, sugar, biscuits, white rice and crackers.
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, as they strongly stimulate the functioning of the pancreas, increasing the workload on it and leading to its overwork and even inflammation. Avoid gas-producing foods and check your menu for possible allergens, such as preservatives, gluten, chemical food additives. It is not recommended to abuse s alty foods and smoked meats, as well as various snacks such as crackers, chips and dried fish.
Pancreatitis in cats
Symptoms, treatment of the disease are somewhat similar to those in humans. The veterinarian selects the appropriate drugs, methods and doses. Cats can also experience an exacerbation of pancreatitis, symptoms include loss of appetite and weight loss, lethargy, indifference to others, diarrhea and dehydration. Vomiting and abdominal pain are not common in most cats, and only 25% of these pets may experience these symptoms.
In some cases, feline pancreatitis can get out of control and lead to the development of serious complications, such as respiratory failure, painful inflammation of the subcutaneous fat, and pathology of other organs. If your pet has pancreatitis, symptoms and treatment, nutrition should only be determined by a specialist. Unfortunately, pancreatitis in cats is a very common disease, so try to pay attention to behavior andthe condition of your pet so that, if necessary, timely veterinary care can be provided to him.
