Pancreatitis - types and symptoms of pancreatitis

Панкреатит — виды и симптомы панкреатита

Pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases that affect this organ. It can have an acute or chronic form. The acute form is characterized by sudden, severe pain in the epigastrium, which can be accompanied by, among other things, fever and a rapid heartbeat. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, include abdominal bloating, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, and weight loss.

The pancreas

is an endocrine gland, the main function of which is to produce insulin, a hormone responsible for sugar metabolism. Depending on the form of pancreatitis, its course and treatment vary. Treatment The treatment of acute and chronic gastritis in Switzerland is based on quality diagnostics, after which a treatment and restoration plan for the pancreas is chosen. Find out what the possible causes of pancreatitis are and how this disease is treated.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis

is inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. This occurs when digestive juices or enzymes attack the pancreas.

The pancreas is located 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 sends them into the small intestine. These enzymes help digest food.
  • It produces hormones insulin and glucagon and sends them into the blood. These hormones control blood sugar levels.

Types of Pancreatitis

Considering the nature of the disease, specialists have divided pancreatitis into:

  • Chronic pancreatitis a long-lasting, chronic inflammatory process that leads to irreversible structural changes in the pancreas and, therefore, to a gradual impairment of its function. In advanced forms of the disease, the parenchyma is replaced by fibrous tissue, calcifications are formed, and the pancreatic ducts are dilated.
  • Acute pancreatitis one of the most common acute conditions (so-called acute abdomen) in gastroenterology.

Regardless of the form of pancreatitis, its treatment is carried out by a gastroenterologist, a specialist in diseases of the digestive organs.

Acute Pancreatitis

  • This is a sudden inflammation.
  • After that, the pancreas returns to normal.
  • Lasts a short time.
  • Can cause serious problems or lead to a fatal outcome in severe cases.

Chronic Pancreatitis

  • This is a long-lasting inflammation that appears and disappears over time.
  • Leads to irreversible damage to the pancreas.
  • Often causes scarring of pancreatic tissues.
  • In severe cases, it can lead to the pancreas no longer producing enzymes and insulin..

 

Treatment Options and Medications for Pancreatitis

Mild acute pancreatitis can be treated with rest and the use of pain relievers at home. You may also need to follow a low-calorie and non-alcoholic diet for pancreatitis because high-fat foods and alcohol can irritate the pancreas and cause pain. Other recommended lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking and losing weight.

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

In cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis Depending on the severity of the disease, hospitalization may be required, where intravenous fluids and possibly insulin will be administered if blood sugar or triglyceride levels are high. If a secondary infection is detected, antibiotics will be prescribed. If gallstones are found to be the cause of the disease, you may need to have your gallbladder removed. , surgery may be required if there is dead or infected pancreatic tissue. In the case of chronic pancreatitis, you may also need to take medications and vitamins due to the impaired absorption of nutrients.

Prevention of Pancreatitis

Preventing recurrent pancreatitis includes proper treatment of accompanying diseases, such as gallstones and hypercholesterolemia. Healthy eating, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding stimulants such as alcohol and cigarettes are recommended.