The pancreas is an important organ not only of the digestive system, but also of the whole organism. Deviations in her work provoke the development of serious consequences. With inflammation of the organ (pancreatitis), other pathological conditions can occur that can cause significant harm to the body. With this disease, timely treatment is very important. How to recognize the development of the disease, and what is the most effective treatment for pancreatic inflammation? We will analyze these issues in the article.
Pancreas
The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system that has the functions of mixed secretion. The internal function (endocrine) is to produce certain hormones: insulin, lipocaine and glucagon. Also involved in the metabolic processes of the body. The external function is the production of pancreatic juice, which contains a large number of digestive enzymes.
Classification
Currently, experts distinguish two main types of pancreatitis, depending on the nature of the course of the disease:
- Acute, in which the pancreas, using its own enzymes, digests its tissues. Symptoms develop rapidly and are very pronounced.
- Chronic. It is formed due to the acute type of disease. It is characterized by mild symptoms.
Causes of inflammation
The reasons for the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the pancreas are many. In most cases, pathological conditions occur with malnutrition, therefore, pancreatitis is diagnosed not only in adults, but also in children. In addition to nutrition, the following factors can provoke the development of inflammation:
- genetic predisposition;
- binge eating;
- duodenitis;
- abuse of fatty, spicy, salty foods;
- stomach ulcer;
- alcoholism;
- stress
- taking certain medications;
- pathology of the gallbladder and duodenum;
- vascular pathology;
- viral infections;
- Crohn's disease;
- smoking;
- allergic reactions;
- liver disease
- trauma to the abdomen;
- pathology of the development of the pancreas;
- hyperthyroidism and others.
Very often, blood circulation disorders become a provoking factor. This causes a malfunction in the pancreas, which increases the risk of developing pancreatitis.
Symptoms
The main sign of acute pancreatitis is pain, the localization of which will depend on the location of the focus of inflammation. The following symptoms also occur:
- nausea and vomiting in which a certain amount of bile can be detected;
- violation of the stool, in which undigested pieces of food are present;
- fever;
- belching and hiccups;
- pallor of the skin;
- increased sweating;
- chills;
- acute pain in the area of ββthe pancreas of the zoster;
- decreased or lack of appetite;
- flatulence;
- yellow plaque;
- weakness.
In chronic pancreatitis, pain may appear under the left ribs, which can be aggravated by eating fatty foods and during exercise.
It is worth highlighting the symptoms, the appearance of which you need to call an ambulance:
- Repeated attack of pancreatitis.
- Weakness, nausea, and increased urination.
- Pain in the abdomen does not go away after taking painkillers and antispasmodics.
- An increase in body temperature, accompanied by vomiting and abdominal pain.
Diagnostics
When the characteristic symptoms of the disease appear, it is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist who will conduct an examination and schedule an examination. During the reception, the doctor collects a medical history, carries out palpation of the abdomen. In the presence of specific symptoms, diagnosis, as a rule, is not difficult.
Laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods include:
- General blood test to confirm the current inflammatory process.
- Blood chemistry. With its help, you can determine the function of the liver and the level of pancreatic enzymes.
- Analysis of urine. The presence of amylase indicates the development of acute pancreatitis.
- Coprogram.
- Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity.
- Roentgenography. With its help, the presence of stones in the ducts is determined.
- CT scan.
- If necessary, an endoscopy procedure is performed, in which the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are examined using a special camera.
- A blood test for sugar.
- Sometimes a surgical diagnostic method may be required, which is laparoscopy.
In case of pancreatic inflammation, treatment will be prescribed by the attending physician based on the results of all analyzes. Thanks to modern diagnostic methods, establishing the cause of the pathological condition is not difficult.
Treatment
With uncomplicated inflammation of the pancreas, home treatment is no less effective than inpatient. Therapy is selected by the doctor individually, depending on the condition of the patient and the severity of the disease. There are several treatments available:
- Conservative.
- Surgical.
- Diet therapy.
- Ethnoscience.
In most cases, therapy is carried out in a hospital, but when diagnosing minor inflammation of the pancreas, treatment at home is not contraindicated.
Conservative therapy
From the very beginning of therapy, intravenous infusion of drugs that normalize blood pressure and prevent dehydration of the body is used. Anti-inflammatory drugs and inhibitory production of pancreatic enzymes are also prescribed. After this, the treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms of pathology and restoring the normal functioning of the organ.
The medications used to treat this disease include the following groups of drugs:
- Anti-inflammatory - Diclofenac. Eliminate pain, inflammation and relieve swelling.
- Antispasmodics - Drotaverinum.
- Antibiotics - Amoxicillin. This group of drugs is prescribed to prevent infections in a weakened organ.
- Enzymes whose purpose is to unload the pancreas is Pancreatin.
- Medicines that lower the production of gastric juice - Omeprazole, Gasterogen.
- Sorbents - Polysorb.
If additional diseases occur, treatment is selected by a doctor of a narrow specialty. For example, if you develop diabetes, you will need to consult an endocrinologist. If pancreatic inflammation in women is suspected, treatment is prescribed only after confirmation of the diagnosis, since ovarian pathologies can give similar symptoms.
Surgical treatment
There are situations in which an operational method of treatment is required. It can be performed in two ways, depending on the severity of the disease.
- Open operation. This method is applicable for the development of tumor processes, as well as for the removal of dead tissue.
- Laparoscopy. The most common way in which the risk of complications is minimized.
Diet therapy
In the treatment of pancreatic inflammation, diet is of the utmost importance. Without proper nutrition, taking medications will not have a lasting effect. Diet for pancreatitis is no less important than conservative treatment.
Allowed Products:
- potatoes;
- omelette;
- low-fat varieties of fish;
- lean meat;
- cottage cheese;
- mashed soups;
- cereals cooked in water;
- durum wheat pasta;
- kefir;
- jelly, compotes;
- currant;
- cherries;
- wild strawberries.
With inflammation of the pancreas, treatment at home involves the rejection of products that can not only provoke a new attack of the disease, but also complicate the current condition. Products that are not recommended for use with pancreatic pathology include:
- alcoholic drinks;
- chocolate;
- ice cream;
- high fat dairy products;
- sausages;
- sweets;
- smoked products;
- legumes;
- fatty varieties of fish and meat;
- coffee and strong tea;
- sour berries and fruits.
During treatment of inflammation of the pancreas at home, it is recommended to adhere to some nutrition rules: you need to eat several times a day in small portions. The food should be warm. When symptoms of acute pancreatitis appear, you should refrain from eating for a day. It is allowed to drink water, a rosehip broth or weak tea. Then, diet number 5 is shown for several days.
ethnoscience
With inflammation of the pancreas, treatment with folk remedies gives a significant result. But it is worth remembering the need for consultation with a doctor before taking traditional medicine. A good effect with pancreatitis gives the reception of herbal decoctions. It is recommended to use:
- chamomile;
- immortelle;
- bean pods;
- blueberry leaves;
- St. John's wort
- Dill seeds;
- dandelion;
- plantain;
- men can use the infusion of barberry bark.
In the treatment of inflammation of the pancreas with folk remedies, herbs are used in the form of teas, infusions, decoctions. The course should not exceed 2-3 weeks. Then you need to take a break. There are a large number of recipes that can help relieve symptoms of exacerbation, spasms in the ducts and increase the duration of remission. But it is important to remember that the use of any means of traditional medicine should be carried out only after consultation with your doctor.
Home treatment
If there are symptoms of pancreatic inflammation, treatment at home can be allowed with the following manifestations of the disease:
- With repeated not aggravated exacerbation of the pathology.
- If loose stool bothers no more than twice a day.
- No temperature increase is observed.
- Lack of vomiting or its single occurrence.
- Pain is not pronounced.
- With a clear understanding of the causes of exacerbation of the disease. For example, in violation of the diet.
Effects
The inflammatory process that occurs in the pancreas can affect many organs and systems of the body. With inflammation, iron releases enzymes into the bloodstream, and therefore intoxication symptoms can occur that can harm the body and significantly lower the quality of life. But besides this, there is a more dangerous complication: some enzymes can begin to destroy the tissues of the gland itself, which leads to dangerous conditions that require surgical intervention.
Also may develop:
- abscess;
- purulent pancreatitis;
- bleeding
- fistula formation;
- jaundice;
- respiratory system disorders;
- diabetes;
- tumor processes;
- with blockage of the pancreatic ducts, cysts may form;
- peritonitis.
Conclusion
Pancreatitis is a very dangerous disease that requires immediate treatment. To prevent the occurrence of pathology, it is necessary to apply preventive measures aimed primarily at a balanced diet, abandonment of bad habits and routine preventive examinations. Do not neglect in the treatment of pancreatic inflammation with folk remedies, since such therapy gives a very effective result.