Pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases affecting this gland. It can take an acute or a chronic form. The first is characterised by sudden, very severe pain in the epigastrium, which may be accompanied by fever and a rapid heartbeat, among other symptoms. The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis, by contrast, include bloating, diarrhoea, frequent abdominal pain and weight loss.

The pancreas is an endocrine gland whose main function is the production of insulin, the hormone responsible for the metabolism of sugars. The course and treatment of pancreatitis differ depending on its form. Treatment in Switzerland for pancreatitis is based on thorough diagnostics, after which the options for treating and restoring the pancreas are selected. Find out what the causes of pancreatitis may be and how the disease is treated.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is redness and swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas. It occurs when digestive juices or enzymes attack the pancreas.

The pancreas lies behind the stomach on the left side of the abdomen. It is located next to the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).

The pancreas is a gland. It has two main functions:

  • It produces enzymes and releases them into the small intestine. These enzymes help break down food.
  • It produces the hormones insulin and glucagon and releases them into the blood. These hormones control blood sugar levels.

Types of pancreatitis

According to the nature of the disease, specialists divide pancreatitis into:

  • chronic pancreatitis – a prolonged, chronic inflammatory process leading to irreversible structural changes in the pancreas and thus to a gradual impairment of its function. In advanced forms of the disease, the parenchyma is replaced by fibrous tissue, calcifications form and the pancreatic ducts become dilated;
  • acute pancreatitis – one of the most frequent acute conditions (the so-called acute abdomen) in gastroenterology.

Whatever the form of pancreatitis, the disease is treated by a gastroenterologist, a specialist in disorders of the digestive organs.

Acute pancreatitis

  • It is a sudden inflammation
  • It lasts a short time
  • Afterwards the pancreas returns to normal
  • In severe cases it can cause serious problems or be fatal

Chronic pancreatitis

  • It is a long-term inflammation that comes and goes over time
  • It leads to irreversible damage to the pancreas
  • It often causes scarring of the pancreatic tissue
  • In severe cases, it can cause the pancreas to stop producing enzymes and insulin.

Treatment and medication options for pancreatitis

Mild acute pancreatitis can be treated at home with rest and painkillers. You may need to follow a low-fat, alcohol-free diet for pancreatitis, as foods high in fat and alcohol can irritate the pancreas and cause pain. Other recommended lifestyle changes may include stopping smoking and losing weight.

Depending on the severity of the disease, hospital admission may be necessary, where you will receive intravenous fluids and possibly insulin if your blood sugar or triglyceride levels are high. If a secondary infection is found, you will be given antibiotics. If gallstones are found to be the cause of the disease, you may need to have your gallbladder removed.

In both acute and chronic pancreatitis, surgery may be required if there is dead or infected pancreatic tissue. In chronic pancreatitis you may also need to take medicines and vitamins because of impaired absorption of nutrients.

Preventing pancreatitis

Preventing a recurrence of pancreatitis involves proper treatment of associated conditions such as gallstones and hypercholesterolaemia. A healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding stimulants – alcohol and cigarettes – are recommended.