Questions about why pancreatitis occurs, what it is and how to treat it, are quite relevant today. After all, inflammation of the pancreas is extremely dangerous, as it is accompanied by severe pain and affects the digestion processes, and sometimes leads to disruption of the normal hormonal background.
Pancreatitis: what is it and why does it arise?
In fact, inflammation of the pancreatic tissue can be caused by various factors. According to statistical studies, most often pancreatitis occurs against the background of other diseases of the digestive system, including cholecystitis, hepatic colic, ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum. In some cases, the cause is an infection.
On the other hand, risk factors include malnutrition and alcohol abuse. In fact, the constant use of fatty and fried foods, as well as a monotonous menu, can provoke an inflammatory process.
It is worth noting that such a disease requires treatment. In the absence of therapy, the digestive processes, metabolism, and sometimes the hormonal background are disturbed , since the pancreas contains specific cells that produce the hormone insulin.
Pancreatitis: what is it and what are its symptoms?
In fact, the clinical picture may be different, as it depends on the form of the disease and the degree of damage to the pancreas. Nevertheless, several main symptoms can be distinguished.
As a rule, the disease begins with acute, severe pain localized in the upper abdomen. In some cases, the entire abdominal wall may be painful. The pain can also be girdle-like and extend to the shoulder blade, back, or even the arm.
Patients with pancreatitis also suffer from constant nausea and vomiting. Unfortunately, vomiting spasms do not bring a person any relief. Naturally, due to a deterioration in well-being, a lack of appetite is observed . Inflammation may be accompanied by fever and weakness.
In the future, there are violations of the digestive system, in particular constipation, severe bloating, gas accumulation in the intestines. Often, damage to the pancreas is associated with damage to the liver, in particular jaundice. Symptoms include confusion.
Pancreatitis can also have a chronic course. With this form of the disease, the symptoms may be less pronounced - pain and nausea occur only during periods of exacerbation, but at the same time persistent digestive disorders are observed.
Pancreatitis: what is it and how to treat it?
When the first symptoms appear, it is urgent to go to the doctor. Only a specialist can determine the presence of an inflammatory process and choose the most effective treatment regimen.
Therapy is carried out exclusively in stationary conditions. In the first few days, a strict "hungry" diet is extremely important, in which patients are given only alkaline water. To eliminate the pain, analgesics are used, as well as drugs that relieve spasms, in particular the No-Shpa medication. Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal medicines are also used.
A few days later, a special diet is made for the patient. The diet must necessarily include proteins, but exclude fats of animal origin, as well as coarse fiber. Partial nutrition is recommended, in which a person eats 6-8 times a day, but in small portions.
If there are areas of necrosis, a surgical operation is necessary, during which doctors remove the damaged parts of the pancreas.