Human health depends on digestion. Any deviation leads to changes in the activity of the body. The pancreas is responsible for the state of the endocrine system. Pancreatitis develops with impaired functioning of the pancreas. What is parenchymal chronic pancreatitis and how to treat it?
What is pancreatitis?
With the parenchymal form of pancreatitis, the pancreas is destroyed. A pathological disease affects pancreatic tissue, its functioning is disrupted. If untreated, the disease leads to a decrease in the activity of the organ.
With a sluggish development of parenchymal chronic pancreatitis, symptoms may be absent. Because of this, the diagnosis is not made immediately, which leads to atrophy of the pancreatic tissue. The chronic form is characterized by alternation of the acute stage and remission.
Types of Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is divided into several types, depending on the course of the disease. All forms are dangerous to humans and require timely treatment.
Chronic parenchymal biliary-dependent pancreatitis develops for a long time. It is based on a congenital disease of the biliary tract. A person treats concomitant diseases. When pain occurs, he does not immediately consult a doctor, so pancreatitis progresses. This disease can cause diabetes and malignant neoplasms of the gland.
Parenchymal recurrent pancreatitis is determined by a constant change in lull and period of exacerbation. It is easy to diagnose, but exhausts the patient with constant remissions.
Fibrous pancreatic process is the next stage of untreated pancreatitis. It is diagnosed only with an ultrasound examination of the patient's parenchyma.
Causes of the disease
Chronic biliary parenchymal pancreatitis occurs after suffering concomitant diseases:
- acute pancreatitis;
- cholecystitis;
- stomach ulcer;
- hepatitis;
- gallstones
- gallbladder disease and its removal.
In addition to diseases, chronic pancreatitis appears against the background of the following factors:
- alcohol consumption;
- heredity;
- violation of patency of the biliary tract;
- poisoning with poisons or drugs;
- with rejection of pancreatic cells due to a malfunction in the immune system;
- viral infections that have entered the pancreas;
- metabolic disease.
This can provoke the appearance of chronic pancreatitis of the parenchymal form, but sometimes it is not possible to find out the cause of the appearance of the disease.
Lifestyle and the environment affect the occurrence of the disease. The abuse of large amounts of salted, smoked and fried foods increases the risk of disease. Adverse environmental conditions affect the activity of the pancreas. Decreased immunity, snacks on the run, infection with helminths can serve as an impetus for the development of parenchymal pancreatitis.
Symptoms of the disease
It is rather difficult to diagnose chronic parenchymal pancreatitis. Symptoms may not appear for a long time. But during the period of exacerbation, the patient notices changes in his condition. The most common signs of the disease are:
- stomach ache;
- feeling of weakness;
- digestive upset;
- the appearance of red spots in the abdomen;
- rapid weight loss;
- the development of diabetes;
- integuments become yellowish.
Symptoms are similar to many other diseases. Pancreatitis abdominal pain occurs only after eating, is bursting in nature and is localized on the left side under the ribs. Pain sensations intensify after fatty foods, alcoholic beverages, and overeating.
Weakness is accompanied by a constant desire to sleep. Absent-mindedness appears, a person cannot concentrate.
Digestive disorder is characterized by a change in stool, bloating, and nausea. Remains of undigested food are found in feces.
If the symptoms recur after a certain period of time, this indicates that the disease has passed into the chronic stage.
Diagnostics
The doctor will make a preliminary diagnosis based on the patientβs complaints. To confirm the chronic pancreatitis of the parenchymal form, it is necessary to undergo the following examinations:
- Ultrasound determines the degree of pancreatic deformity. It can increase, decrease or change shape. With a disease, the iron becomes more dense and therefore decreases in size.
- General blood analysis. It usually observed an increase in liver enzymes. In acute form, ESR and white blood cell count will increase.
- Blood chemistry. In chronic pancreatitis, blood sugar increases, exceeding the norm.
- Angiography reveals the patency of the pancreas and its structural changes.
Drug treatment
After the diagnosis of chronic parenchymal pancreatitis is diagnosed, the doctor will choose the treatment depending on the condition of the patient. During therapy, it must be taken into account that chronic pancreatitis does not pass without a trace. It is impossible to return the pancreas to its initial state. But you can slow down the disease and improve the quality of life.
In the acute stage, the patient should drink only mineral water for two days, completely refusing food. It is allowed to apply cold compresses to the left hypochondrium.
Treatment is usually carried out in a hospital. To relieve pain, use "Diclofenac", "Ketorol", "No-shpu." After taking antispasmodics and analgesics, it is necessary to reduce the swelling of the pancreas, remove intoxication and suppress its activity.
In a hospital, droppers with a glucose solution are prescribed. Depending on whether additional enzymes are required or not, drugs are taken that enhance the secretion or reduce it.
Funds that help restore pancreatic function are prescribed by the doctor. This is usually Methyluracil or Cobamamide.
In some cases, surgery is required. If the treatment did not help, and the patient's condition worsens, then an operation is performed to free the pancreatic ducts.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies can be used in the treatment of chronic parenchymal pancreatitis. Aggravation is a contraindication. When choosing any means, administration begins with small doses, gradually increasing to normal. If when using folk remedies unpleasant sensations or pain appear, then the reception must be stopped.
Folk recipes, which include herbs, should not increase the acidity of the stomach. Improving the body's immune forces will help in the fight against the disease. Herbs for decoctions must be bought at a pharmacy or prepared on their own.
One of the most popular methods in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is oat broth. He has practically no contraindications, and you can drink it at any age. A glass of cereal oats must be poured with cold water and boiled. The sticky mass that appeared during cooking can be drunk half a glass before meals.
A decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort and rose hips is taken 30 minutes before a meal. All ingredients are poured with boiling water, boiled for 5 minutes and left to infuse until completely cooled. Each plant can be brewed separately.
Potato juice is used daily before meals. Cooking every time is necessary fresh.
Folk remedies can cause an allergic reaction. If itching or discomfort occurs, they should be discontinued.
Diet therapy
A diet for chronic parenchymal pancreatitis is prescribed strictly. Table No. 5 is recommended. During exacerbation, complete fasting for two days is recommended. On the third, a small amount of food without salt is introduced. Products allowed for the disease:
- stale bread, give preference to dried;
- poultry, low-fat fish, beef;
- boiled protein or steamed omelet;
- soups on vegetable broth with cereals;
- steamed vegetables;
- dairy products;
- fruits;
- decoctions;
- jelly.
Products that can not be consumed in chronic pancreatitis of the parenchymal form:
- alcohol in any quantity;
- coffee;
- strong tea, cocoa;
- smoked products;
- soups on meat broth;
- fatty meat and fish;
- chicken yolk;
- fried and salty dishes;
- marinades;
- carbonated drinks;
- fresh bread and bakery products.
Pancreatitis Nutrition Principles
Nutrition in chronic parenchymal pancreatitis with exocrine insufficiency should be based on the principles of proper nutrition:
- fractional nutrition at least 5-6 times a day;
- small portions;
- comply with the drinking regime, drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day;
- food should be warm, exclude hot or cold dishes;
- give preference to mashed dishes;
- exclude fried and smoked, marinades and pickles;
- prepare meals steamed or in boiling water;
- reduce the amount of salt;
- consume enough protein, reduce fats and carbohydrates;
- discard spicy foods.
Food should saturate the body with vitamins and minerals. During the period of remission, you can eat uncooked dishes, but you can not eat those products that are prohibited.
Complications after an illness
Chronic parenchymal pancreatitis must be detected as early as possible. A prolonged course leads to various complications. Pathologies caused by pancreatitis:
- benign tumors in the pancreas;
- diabetes;
- gastritis and gastric ulcer;
- gallstones
- sepsis;
- oncology;
- pleurisy;
- colitis.
It is almost impossible to identify the disease in remission, because there are no main symptoms. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to undergo an examination and prescribe the correct treatment.
Disease prevention
To prevent the disease, you must follow the simple rules of a healthy lifestyle. Eat varied, eliminate harmful foods. Refuse alcohol and tobacco. If infectious diseases are detected, undergo timely treatment. Physical activity and fresh air play an important role in the prevention of this disease. Monitor the state of the nervous system and eliminate stress factors.
If pain occurs, you must consult a doctor for a diagnosis. During treatment, specialist recommendations should be followed to reduce the risk of complications after pancreatitis.