Pancreatitis is deadly, to be treated in time

Pancreatitis is deadly, to be treated in time

Pancreas

The pancreas is a large gland located in the stomach. It is very close to the small intestine called the duodenum. The function of the pancreas is to separate digestive liquid from the small intestine. This liquid is passed through a tube called the pancreatic duct. The pancreas permits the flow of the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.  

Pancreatitis

The inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis. Digestive enzymes carry out the digestion process within the pancreas. Chronic and acute pancreatitis are the two forms that exist. Both are complicated.

Acute pancreatitis appears out of the blue and goes away a few days after treatment. Gallstones are a common cause. Nausea, vomiting, and severe pain in the upper abdomen are the usual symptoms. Treatment is for a few days in the hospital for antibiotics, intravenous (IV) fluids, and medicines.

Chronic pancreatitis becomes worse and causes permanent damage. The use of alcohol is the primary cause. The other reasons are autoimmune conditions, some medicines, cystic fibrosis, high levels of calcium or fats in the blood, and other inherited disorders. Weight loss and oily stools are some of the symptoms.

Complications of pancreatitis.

• Shrink  or obstruction in a bile or duct,
• Outpouring from the duct,
• Pancreatic pseudocysts: NIH external link
• Injury to the pancreas,
• Kidney, Lung, and heart failure
• Death.

Signs and symptoms

Upper abdominal pain may radiate to the back.  
Pain ranges from mild to severe at first, sometimes occurring suddenly.

 Acute pancreatitis 

• Frequent acute pancreatitis may end in Chronic pancreatitis.
• Dehydration
• Bleeding, Infection,
• Fever

Chronic pancreatitis

• Pain in abdomen
• Can’t digest properly
• Malabsorption
• Malnutrition
• Diabetes
• Pancreatic cancer  NIH External link
• Bone fracture
• Nausea, Vomiting
• Fast heartbeat.

Analysis of the disease to find out its causes:

• Physical Exam,
• Check your abdomen for pain, swelling, or tenderness
• Previous medical history,
• Lab and imaging tests.
• Blood test,
• Digestive enzymes
• Blood glucose,
• Stool test 
• Medicines you are using
• Imaging test,
• Ultrasound,
• CT scan to ensure cancer.

Treatment

• Admission to hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids
• Pain killer,
• Surgery is needed for complicated cases.
• Nutritional support. Pain relief medicines and intravenous (IV) fluids are the treatments in hospitals. Then take enzymes and a special diet. Alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited.

Surgery.

If treatment does not relieve pressure, it may suggest surgery, either to remove the pancreas or gall bladder. 

How common is pancreatitis?

• Acute pancreatitis may develop; the reasons are not clear. 
• The percentage of acute pancreatitis-affected children is growing. 
• Chronic pancreatitis is rare.
• Men are more prone to pancreatitis than women.
• Family history has a higher risk.
• People with a history of gallstones have a higher risk.
• African Americans have a higher risk.

The following health conditions may lead to pancreatitis:.

• Cystic fibrosis (NIH) external link
• Diabetes
• Gallstones,
• Certain autoimmune conditions,
• High triglycerides,
• Genetic malfunctions of the pancreas,
• Obesity,
• Heavy Alcohol user,
• Smoker.
• If the cause is not known it is called as idiopathic pancreatitis.

How can we prevent pancreatitis?

• Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
• Try to make the pancreas work  better
• Prevent getting gallstones,
• Prevent obesity,
• Ensure a diabetes-free lifestyle
• Walking during the early hours of a sunny day
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid smoking
• Diet and Nutrition for Pancreatitis
• Small and frequent meals
• Low fat eating
• Drink plenty of fluids.

Clinical Trials for pancreatitis

Clinical research is the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials are finding new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers are looking at other aspects of care to improve the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses.

Conclusion

Inflammation of the pancreas— pancreatitis. The exact cause of this inflammation remains unknown. Smoking and alcohol are thought to be the main culprits behind this inflammation. Life becomes pitiful and perhaps deadly if one does not avoid these two things.