Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that plays an important role in digestion. Statistics indicate that every eighth man and every fourth woman faces this diagnosis. At risk are the elderly and overweight. Symptoms of pancreatitis in men usually appear more often in a chronic form, and in the weak half of humanity, an acute type of disease often develops. The publication is dedicated to the characteristics of the disease and methods of therapy.
What is pancreatitis?
Symptoms and treatment of the disease are described below. The digestive juice, which secretes iron, contains enzymes and bicarbonate. They pass through a small tube called the pancreatic duct and connects it to the small intestine. Enzymes help in the breakdown of proteins and fats into molecules that can be absorbed by the blood. Bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity of the stomach acid solution. The digestive hormones produced by glucagon and insulin, entering the bloodstream, control blood sugar. Bile is attached to pancreatic enzymes - it is a fluid that from the liver enters the gallbladder and also helps in the digestion of food. Next, it is examined in what forms pancreatitis disease, symptoms of the disease appear.
Normally, enzymes do not become active until they enter the small intestine. But with inflammation of the pancreas, they begin to attack and damage the tissues that produce them. Digestive juices are trapped and begin to digest the gland itself. So pancreatitis occurs, it can be acute or chronic. Any of these forms can lead to complications, for example, to the development of infections, bleeding and irreversible tissue damage. Acute pancreatitis, symptoms and treatment of this form of the disease are described below.
Acute and chronic pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis begins shortly after damage to the gland. Most of the attacks are 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, the treatment of which are described below, can be complicated. Then immediate hospitalization is needed.
Chronic pancreatitis, the symptoms and treatment of which differ in different people, begins as acute, with seizures, and if the gland is severely affected and cannot return to its original state of tissues, then over time the disease becomes chronic. In this case, 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 can be mild and worse after eating. It also happens that pain does not leave a person for several days, the patient looks and feels bad and needs immediate medical attention.
What symptoms with pancreatitis can be observed:
- vomiting and nausea;
- swollen, painful stomach;
- rapid pulse;
- fever.
Such symptoms of pancreatitis in a woman are observed more often. Therefore, if there were sharp pains in the upper abdomen, vomiting and dry mouth, hiccups appeared, then this is likely to indicate that the inflammatory process begins in the pancreas. Severe acute pancreatitis causes dehydration and low blood pressure; the heart, lungs, or kidneys may 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 similarities to the acute type of symptoms, but may include diarrhea, oily stools, and weight loss.
Diagnostics
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 may also concern 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 studies are necessary, which include:
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, in which the waves are directed toward the gland through a portable device moving around the stomach. They are reflected from the organs and create a picture 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, using it you can well consider the degree of damage to the pancreas;
- endoscopic ultrasound is also called cholangiopancreatography and allows you to detect the nature of the damage to the gland and possible stones in the gallbladder. During the procedure, the throat is anesthetized first with an aerosol, and then an endoscope is inserted through the esophagus and stomach into the intestine - a thin tube with a lamp;
- magnetic resonance imaging produces cross-sectional images of organs after the introduction of a dye into the vein, allowing you to see the condition of the affected area.
Chronic pancreatitis, especially the symptoms of pancreatitis in men that have developed over time due to alcohol intake, is diagnosed in much the same way as acute, and it is often confused with this form of the disease. In the differential diagnosis, a tangible help can be provided by studying the history of family diseases, eating habits, and the fact that the patient has consumed alcohol. Signs of the disease can develop very rapidly, this is reactive pancreatitis.
Symptoms and treatment of pancreatic inflammation depend on the causes of the disease.
But pancreatitis occurs not only among the adult population. If pancreatitis develops in children, symptoms may be due to malnutrition, congenital malformations of the digestive system, injuries, food poisoning, or taking antibiotics.
Causes
Gallstones and alcohol abuse are the two main causes of pancreatitis and make up 80-95% of all cases of the disease. In men, the most commonly diagnosed alcoholic disease is pancreatitis. Most often, the alcoholic form of the disease develops in people who regularly take alcoholic beverages for 5-7 years. Often a person seeks medical help even when the disease has taken a chronic course with periodically occurring exacerbations, similar to symptoms in acute pancreatitis.
Stones in the gallbladder can block the duct of the pancreas, interfering with the normal movement of the secretion 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:
- taking medication;
- exposure to certain chemicals;
- damage and injury;
- hereditary diseases;
- infections
- abnormalities of the intestine and pancreas;
- high blood lipids.
In acute pancreatitis, 15% of cases, the causes remain unknown, as well as in 40% of cases of the chronic form of the disease. Read about acute pancreatitis, symptoms and treatment of the disease.
Treatment
If the symptoms are mild, you can stop the development of the disease by stopping drinking, switching to a liquid diet with dishes such as soups, broth and mashed potatoes. Avoid painkillers that can negatively affect the liver, for example, Acetaminophen, Tylenol. Treatment is always aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing further exacerbation. Serious complications may require a blood transfusion or surgery.
Treatment of acute pancreatitis
For this form of the disease, hospitalization and taking antibiotics are necessary. The patient should not eat for several days to give the intestines a rest. The choice of therapy depends on the severity of the attack. If there are no complications, then treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and restoring pancreatic function. For patients experiencing problems with swallowing, intravenous administration of drugs and fluids is used.
If necessary, the doctor prescribes drugs for pain and nausea, antibiotics in the presence of 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 provide 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 must be carried out in order to assess the condition of the body. Signs of pancreatitis, acute symptoms are discussed earlier.
ERCP
Endoscopic retrograde pancreatocholangiography is used in both acute and chronic pancreatitis. In this case, a specialized technique is used to examine the pancreas, gall bladder and ducts, as well as to treat complications - stones in the gall bladder, narrowing or blockage of the duct and fluid accumulation. Using such a device, you can perform:
- sphincterotomy, in which, using an endoscope, a small incision is made in the duct to ensure fluid outflow;
- removal of gallstones;
- installing a stent to expand the lumen of the duct;
- balloon dilatation.
People undergoing treatment with ERCP have a slight risk of developing complications such as infections, intestinal perforation, and internal bleeding. Similar problems are more common in patients with acute and recurrent pancreatitis. It is important after the procedure to pay attention to symptoms such as abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, chills, discomfort in the chest and throat, and immediately inform the attending physician about them.
Treatment of chronic pancreatitis
With this form of the disease, therapy focuses on alleviating pain and preventing further exacerbation, as well as maximizing the body's ability to accept and digest food. With severe exacerbation and the presence of complications, hospitalization may be required. Food 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 is a problem with food processing, enzyme preparations for oral administration are prescribed, which help digest food. People diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis are strongly advised to stop drinking alcohol. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and the blood glucose level is out of control, injections of this substance may be required.
Natural treatment for pancreatitis and nutritional supplements
There are a large number of herbs and various supplements that can calm the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. Natural treatment has a definite advantage, which is that the risk of developing 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 the treatment and speed up recovery with the help of some natural herbal remedies. We list the main ones.
Dandelion extract, which stimulates the production of bile. The plant can also be taken in the form of tea, for this it is necessary to use yellow flowers before the fruits ripen.
Milk thistle extract, which helps detoxify the liver, or, in other words, cleanse it of toxins. The silica present in the plant helps repair tissues damaged by inflammation. For the recipe, you can take a teaspoon of milk thistle seeds, pour them with boiling water and insist for 2-3 hours, or take the drug in the form of 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 the intensity of inflammation in the pancreas. You can add this seasoning to dishes or take supplements based on this product. However, people suffering from hypoglycemia, it is not recommended to use this tool 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 chopped roots in a liter of water. The taste of this infusion will be slightly bitter, so you can add orange or lemon juice to it. It is important that taking such a drug is not recommended for pregnant women and people who suffer from high blood pressure and stomach diseases.
Chamomile pharmacy has calming properties and brings tangible relief from inflammation of the pancreas. The most important plant constituents in this regard are coumarins, plant acids, glycosides and salicylate derivatives. Drink chamomile tea and use the plant's essential oil as an 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 to prepare other dishes.
Vitamins that need to be taken in combination, and lecithin, which helps in the absorption of fats, are also useful for pancreatitis. The attending physician can also prescribe lactobacilli, for example, the acidophilus remedy, which restores the normal microflora in the intestines. For many, the use of additives based on these compounds helps to quickly get rid of the painful symptoms of the disease. However, do not take them yourself, it is better to consult a doctor about this. This is necessary in order to eliminate negative interactions with prescription drugs.
The attending physician may recommend multivitamins 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 large quantities in linseed oil and fish oil, help optimize the functioning of the immune system and reduce inflammation. Each of these products is available in convenient capsule form, which can be purchased at almost any pharmacy.
Features of nutrition for pancreatitis
Pancreatitis attacks, symptoms of the disease can be prevented by following a special diet and refusing certain foods. Here are a few rules regarding the diet of a sick person.
Choose foods low in fat, this will avoid further exacerbations 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, as they contain many harmful trans-fatty acids 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. , , , , , . – , , , . , , , . , , , . , , , , . , , , , .
Include complex carbohydrates in your diet. Eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, such as cherries, cherries, tomatoes, bell peppers, blueberries and cranberries. Eat more green and leafy vegetables - cabbage, spinach, lettuce, because they contain a large amount of iron and B vitamins useful for pancreatitis. Whole-grain products are considered to be 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 in starch: pasta, white bread, sugar, cookies, 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 overwork and even inflammation. It is necessary to abandon products that cause gas formation, and also check your menu for possible allergens, for example, preservatives, gluten, chemical food additives. It is not recommended to abuse salty 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 partly similar to those in humans. The veterinarian selects the appropriate drugs, methods and doses. In cats, pancreatitis may also worsen, symptoms include loss of appetite and weight loss, lethargy, indifference to others, diarrhea and dehydration. Vomiting and abdominal pain are not typical for most cats with such an ailment, these symptoms can be observed only in 25% of these pets.
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 be determined only by a specialist. Unfortunately, pancreatitis in cats is a very common disease, so try to pay attention to the behavior and condition of your pet so that you can provide him with timely veterinary care if necessary.