Disease warning: Pancreatitis patients are in danger zone

Pancreas is a vital organ in human body which has important function in digestion and hormone production. The pancreas, located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen releases enzymes and hormones. The enzymes are discharged through the pancreatic duct into the intestine, where they help to digest food that has passed through the stomach. The hormones produced by the pancreas, including insulin and glucagon, are discharged into the blood and help control blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is a severe ailment and it is deadly.

Persons suffer from pancreatitis when there is inflammation in pancreas. It can be fatal. This disease can be caused by certain type 2 diabetes medicines. Pancreatitis affects the pancreas, the organ responsible for excreting digestive juices and insulin to control blood sugar are severely damaged. It can also result in pancreatic cancer. In simple term, the function of pancreas is to help digestion by secreting enzymes. Pancreatitis occurs when these enzymes start processing the pancreatic tissues instead of traveling to the small intestine to digest food.

Types of pancreatitis:

Acute: Acute pancreatitis happens unexpectedly, and if treatment is given in time, usually resolves within a few days.

Chronic: Chronic pancreatitis does not heal or improve. This type of pancreatitis usually gets worse over time and causes permanent damage.

Both are serious and both can be deadly.

Reasons for gripping in pancreatitis:

The most common and visible reason for pancreatitis is the formation of gallstones that cause inflammation as they pass through the bile duct.

Causes of acute pancreatitis include:

Frequent, heavy alcohol use         abdominal trauma, Tumors, Infections, Genetic abnormalities and certain medications.

Chronic pancreatitis occurs due to hereditary disorders, high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), high levels of fat in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia), some medications, Cystic fibrosis and autoimmune disorders.

Common symptoms of pancreatitis:

Ø Severe abdominal pain

Ø Vomiting

Ø Nausea.

Risk factors for pancreatitis:

Ø Alcohol abuse

Ø Gallstones

Ø Abdominal trauma

Ø Major surgery

Ø Inherited diseases affecting the pancreas, including cystic fibrosis

Ø High blood levels of calcium (usually due to other medical problems)

Ø High blood levels of triglycerides (a particular type of fat in the blood)

Diagnosis of pancreatitis:

Diagnosis is done by following way:

-      Abdominal ultrasound. This technology uses sound waves that bounce off the pancreas and create a picture on a video monitor. It can also detect gallstones that may be causing inflammation.

-      Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). In this test, a doctor passes a thin, flexible tube down the throat, into the stomach and into the small intestine to check the pancreas and bile ducts.

-      Computerized tomography (CT). This is a non-invasive test similar to an X-ray that shows gallstones and may detect damage to the pancreas.

-      Abdominal X rays. Using X-rays, doctors can check for any damage to the pancreas.

Additionally, blood tests are done to check for elevated levels of digestive enzymes in the blood.

Complications of pancreatitis:

Pancreatitis can cause serious complications, including:

Pseudocyst: In acute pancreatitis, there is fluid and debris collect in cyst-like pockets in pancreas. A large pseudocyst that ruptures can cause problems like internal bleeding and infection.

Infection: Acute pancreatitis can make pancreas susceptible to bacteria and infection. Pancreatic infections are severe and require intensive treatment, such as surgery to remove the infected tissue.

Breathing problems: Acute pancreatitis can lead to chemical changes in human body that affect lung function, causing the level of oxygen in blood to fall to extremely low levels.

Diabetes: When there is a damage to insulin-producing cells in pancreas due to chronic pancreatitis, it can lead to diabetes.

Kidney failure: Acute pancreatitis may lead to kidney failure, which can be treated with dialysis if the kidney failure is severe and persistent.

Malnutrition: Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can cause pancreas to produce fewer of the enzymes that are required to break down and process nutrients from the food persons eat. This can result in malnutrition, diarrhea and weight loss.

Pancreatic cancer: Long-lasting inflammation in pancreas caused by chronic pancreatitis may develop pancreatic cancer.

When to seek medical advice:

Patients must know that when they have to visit doctors. It is advised to patients of pancreas problem that they seek immediate medical help if experiencing unbearable abdominal pain that they have difficulty to sit still or find a position that makes them more comfortable.

First step is to contact physician if they experience abdominal pain. If doctor suspects that person may have pancreatitis, he/she may refer to gastroenterologist who has specialization in the digestive system.

Treatment techniques for pancreatitis:

For acute pancreatitis, patients must be attended by gastroenterologist and involves staying at the hospital for a few days. Fluids are administered intravenously (IV), along with antibiotics and pain relievers.

During retrieval, no eating or drinking is allowed, in order to reduce strain on the pancreas and allow it to heal. In critical cases, gastroenterologist may insert a feeding tube to deliver liquid nutrition to the stomach. Gastroenterologist strictly prohibited smoking, eating fatty foods or drinking alcoholic beverages in order to prevent the reappearance of pancreatitis.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis may require synthetic enzymes to help digest the food, since in many cases the pancreas no longer secretes enzymes. They also require constant care to manage the slow damage to the pancreas and lessen symptoms.

Endoscopic therapy is other treatment option. This is geared towards treating strictures or duct obstruction which may be causing pain. This therapy involves dilating and/or stenting a stricture in the pancreatic or biliary duct. Endoscopic therapy can also remove stones that may be causing obstruction. However, repeated endoscopic therapy is often required in most patients. Nerve blocks are also performed to manage the pain associated with chronic pancreatitis. This is either done endoscopically (through the stomach) or percutaneously (through the skin).

Home remedies and changes in lifestyle:

Patients must follow few steps to recover from pancreatitis. These are mentioned below:

-      Patients of pancreatitis are not allowed to drink alcohol.

-      It is good to quit smoking. Medications and counselling can help patients to stop smoking.

-      Patients must make dietary changes in life such as they must choose a low-fat diet. They should select a diet that limits fat and include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

-      They are recommended to drink more fluids. Pancreatitis can cause dehydration, so drink more fluids throughout the day.

Dietary suggestion for patients suffered from pancreatitis:

It is well understood that pancreas help in digestion. The pancreas releases insulin, which decreases blood sugar levels and allows body to store food energy for future use. Therefore person must take healthy food to heal and nourish pancreas.

There are some foods mentioned below that avoid pancreatitis.

Blueberries and Cherries are rich sources of antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage.

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower contain potent chemicals which may help prevent cancer.

Garlic along with its other allium relative, onions, is rich source of nutrients to nourish pancreas and for the prevention of cancer.

Red grapes are a good source of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant. Avoid red wine if you have pancreatitis, and eat a handful of red grapes instead.

Spinach is also a vegetable helpful for healthy pancreases. It is a good source of iron and vitamin B, both of which your pancreas needs. Other leafy greens, like kale, mustard and Swiss chard are also beneficial for pancreas.

Sweet Potatoes along with other orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, corn and squash contain nutrients are advantageous for the pancreas and may help avert cancer.

Tofu is rich source of low-fat protein. People need protein for healing, but too much fat will worsen any pancreas problems.

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Vegetables also contain antioxidants and beneficial nutrients, and soup provides additional fluid.

Yogurt with active cultures have high quantity of probiotics, beneficial bacteria which boost the immune and digestive system.

In briefing note, Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatic damage happens when the digestive enzymes are activated before they are released into the small intestine and begin attacking the pancreas.