The task of the pancreas is to provide the body with pancreatic juice. The content of 4 enzymes in it promotes the digestion and breakdown of carbohydrate (the main task), protein and fatty foods. Pancreatic juice is released in large quantities - up to 4 liters, and its composition depends on what the person ate. In the pancreas, hormones are synthesized: glucagon, insulin and somatostatin.
The pancreas and digestive tract are closely related. It produces hormones that affect the functioning of the gland. Abnormalities in the pancreas can provoke the disease. Acute pancreatitis, turning into chronic if untreated, threatens with frequent attacks, pains, and diabetes mellitus can develop.
In the case of pancreatic disease, an inflammatory process develops that is acute or chronic. The hormone balance is disturbed, food ceases to be absorbed and digested in full, which entails negative processes:
• fat deposition not only outside but also inside the body;
• there is a deficiency of proteins, which leads to dystrophy of the heart muscle ;
• normal blood circulation is disturbed;
• there is a deficiency of carbohydrates, which can lead to brain cells suffering (up to death).
How to determine what the pancreas hurts, what to do to relieve pain
The nature of the pain in case of pancreatic disease can be localized in a certain area of the abdomen. Few people have an idea about the exact location of the pancreas, so they ask where the pancreas hurts.
- Pain most often occurs where the navel is located in the upper abdomen. When the pancreas hurts, what to do will tell you the intensity of the pain, its strength and character. When it hurts in one place, the pain is dull or aching, then perhaps the disease is in the nature of a chronic disease. In the event that not only the abdomen hurts, but also the back and lower back, burning pain surrounds the body, it is possible that this is an exacerbation of the disease and urgent help is needed.
- During an attack of pancreatitis, in addition to pain, nausea, painful bloating and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen can occur. There may be vomiting, after which the person does not feel relief. The pain is constant and does not pass quickly. Diarrhea is sometimes possible.
- How to reduce an attack, help when the pancreas hurts. What to do:
- Get on your knees and lean on your elbows at the same time, this position relieves pain;
- When an unpleasant feeling or attack occurs, one does not need to eat;
- On the stomach, near the navel (with a shift to the left), put ice (or a cold wet towel). The position when the patient lies on his back increases pain;
- You can take a decoction of a mixture of herbs, consisting of dill, hawthorn, immortelle and chamomile.
What can contribute to the development of the disease and trigger an attack
There are several answers to the question why the pancreas hurts and what can provoke pain. A disease such as pancreatitis can occur if:
- Overeating and overweight. Consumption of food saturated with fats;
- Increased alcohol and smoking;
- Metabolic disease;
- Gastrointestinal and digestive system disease;
- The presence of viruses and parasites in the body;
- Impaired blood circulation;
- Age-related changes in the gland;
- The period of prolonged use of drugs (hormonal and tetracycline groups);
- Complications after viral infections.
Do not ignore the symptoms and signs that the pancreas hurts. What to do? First of all, try to ease the pain. It is especially worth emphasizing that this is a very serious disease, which in no case should be ignored. It is necessary to undergo all the necessary examinations and the prescribed course of treatment in order to prevent the further development of the disease.