What is Pancreatitis: Symptoms and Treatment

An unhealthy lifestyle, frequent overeating, alcohol abuse, and stress - all this affects the pancreas and provoke the development of both acute and chronic forms of the disease. Pancreatitis can significantly reduce a person's quality of life, and in the case of complications, it can even be life-threatening. That is why it is crucial to know not only the first symptoms of the disease, but also modern methods of treatment and dietary rules that help to avoid relapses and maintain health.

In this article, we will look at the main signs of pancreatitis, treatment methods, and dietary recommendations that will help alleviate the condition and prevent complications.

The pancreas is a vital organ of the endocrine system, located near the stomach, and is responsible for the digestion of food by secreting the necessary enzymes. The pancreas also secretes the hormone insulin and thus regulates the metabolism of glucose in the body.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which can even lead to death. Acute and chronic types of it are distinguished.

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly, usually for the first time in life, accompanied by a rise in body temperature. Usually, this pathology requires surgical treatment, since an acute condition can turn into pancreatic necrosis, a life-threatening condition.

Chronic pancreatitis occurs if the inflammation of the pancreas lasts 3–6 months and requires constant treatment. This diagnosis is made when there are changes in blood tests and visible signs on an ultrasound examination.

The prevalence of chronic pancreatitis is approximately 25–50 cases per 100,000 population, with data varying by country. That is, in fact, a relatively rare disease, even though in Ukraine, almost every pain in the side is called pancreatitis.

Dushynskyi Yuriy

gastroenterologist

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the prevalence of pancreatitis. The disease typically develops between the ages of 30 and 40. At the same time, it often occurs because of excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. Therefore, pancreatitis is also called a “disease of bad habits,” said gastroenterologist Yuriy Dushinsky in the video. The second most common cause of the disease is heredity, but it can also occur because of autoimmune diseases.

How is the disease manifested, and what are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

“First of all, it is a pain syndrome. The pancreas itself does not have pain receptors, but when its inflammation begins, it increases in volume and can put pressure on the capsule in which it is located, which is why pain occurs. Also, an increase in pressure in the ducts that pass through the pancreas can cause pain,” – gastroenterologist Yuriy Dushinsky said.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include the following:

• girdle pain, when the back and the area under the ribs (left and right) hurt;
• pain in the hypochondrium, which worsens after eating;
• nausea and vomiting, which do not bring relief;
• digestive disorders: constipation, bloating, loose stools;
• weight loss, etc.

If the patient is not treated in time when he has an attack of pancreatitis, there may be a violation of the stool, an increase in body temperature, or such a dangerous complication as pancreatic necrosis.

Pancreatic necrosis is a severe complication of acute pancreatitis, in which there is partial or complete death of pancreatic tissue. As a result of inflammation and destruction of the gland tissue, activated pancreatic enzymes begin to digest their own tissue, which leads to necrosis (death) of the organ.

This condition can be accompanied by serious complications, such as sepsis, infections, bleeding, and disruption of other organs. Pancreatic necrosis requires immediate hospitalization and intensive treatment, which may include surgery to remove the affected tissues.

Can chronic pancreatitis be cured?

Chronic diseases are conditions that cannot be completely cured, but they can be controlled. With a diet, a healthy lifestyle, and systemic treatment, you can avoid exacerbations and live a full life.

How to treat the pancreas?

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, patients are interested in one thing: how to treat the disease effectively in order to return to everyday life without pain?

First of all, the patient needs to relieve the pain syndrome, so the doctor prescribes painkillers and/or antispasmodics. During remission, some patients may need enzymes, however, during an exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, enzymes should not be used, because they will stimulate the work of the pancreas, and the necessary basis for treatment is the calmness of its work.

Proper nutrition in this case is a key element in the treatment and prevention of exacerbations. The diet should be balanced, include easily digestible foods, and not contain fatty, fried, spicy, and smoked foods. Gradual recovery after exacerbations of pancreatitis requires special dietary recommendations to support pancreatic health.

“The so-called table No. 5 is often mentioned, but I remind you: since 2013, Pevzner dietary tables have been canceled in Ukraine. These diets were developed in the 1920s and 30s and do not correspond to modern ideas about the development and treatment of diseases. Therefore, we do not use them,” emphasized gastroenterologist Yuriy Dushinsky.

What exactly should you change in your diet during pancreatitis?

• First, limit the consumption of fatty foods.
• Second, reduce the amount of protein foods.
• Completely eliminate alcohol.
• Minimize sauces, spices, and other products that can stimulate the digestive system.

Pancreatitis is a severe disease that requires attention from the first signs. Timely diagnosis, individually selected treatment, and strict adherence to a diet can significantly improve the patient’s condition and avoid dangerous complications, such as pancreatic necrosis. If you notice alarming symptoms in yourself, do not delay—consult a doctor. Help on time saves not only the pancreas but also your health.