What You Didn't Know About Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas is a gland behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. This gland performs vital functions that have to do with the digestion of food. The pancreas produces enzymes and insulin that regulates blood sugar. Inflammation can occur quickly and dramatically in a period of days (acute pancreatitis), or may occur and recur over a period of many years (chronic pancreatitis). Pancreatitiscan be caused by a variety of ways that cause trauma to the pancreas.

Symptoms of pancreatitis

Abdominal pain
Radiating pain in the lower back and / or chest
The pain worsens with eating
Relief is in a fetal position
Fever
Nausea (acute)
Vomiting (acute)
Weight loss (chronic)
Oily, smelly stools (chronic)

What causes pancreatitis?

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and hormones that help allow the body to digestfood. Digestive enzymes are not activated until you enter the small intestine. If these enzymes are activated before entering the small intestine can cause irritation and damage to the pancreas. The most common cause of this premature activation of enzymes are gallstones (acute pancreatitis) and alcoholism (chronic pancreatitis). Other causes include smoking, certain medications (such as azathioprine, antibiotics, corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs), infection, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, high levels of triglycerides and ulcers.

Who is at risk?

The factors that show an increased risk of pancreatitis include:
Alcoholism and smoking
gallstone disease (biliary)
Recent surgery
Age (35-64)
Family history of disease or high triglycerides
Afro-Americans are three times more likely than Caucasians and Native Americans.

Diagnosis

Along with the symptoms, personalmedical and family history can perform tests to diagnose pancreatitis. Blood tests may show high levels of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas. The changes also occur frequently in blood sugar and trace minerals in the blood. Doctors can also identify the stones using ultrasound and inflammation and damage to the pancreas with a cat (computerized axial tomography) scan. Another method used is known as an ERCP. This involves inserting a tube with a smallcamera, the time of the throat and through the lining of the stomach through the small intestine and pancreas.

Treatment

The best treatment depends largely on the type and severity of pancreatitis. In cases of acute pancreatitis, hospitalization is often required during which the patient is rehydrated, abstains from food and stabilized. In cases of chronic (recurrent) pancreatitis, the best that smokers and drinkers can do is quit smoking. Dietand power become extremely important to prevent future attacks of pancreatitis.

Diet

A diet low in fat and rich in nutrients is very important, along with plenty of water. Apart from this you should try to eat lots of raw veggies (or undercooked), eliminating food allergens (wheat, milk, preservatives, chemical additives, etc) and moderate exercise trial.

Drugs

Enzyme supplements before meals can help relieveharmful effects caused by the premature activation of pancreatic enzymes and helps the body absorb nutrients from food. Antibiotics and painkillers may be prescribed.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may relieve the pain of chronic pancreatitis. Surgery generally involves a reduction of inflammation of the pancreatic duct or removing part of the body.

Acupuncture

Although studies are limited, some have shown that there are beneficial effects pancreatitisbeing treated through acupuncture.

Supplements

Sometimes the body is deficient in various nutrients that aid in the role of digestion or utilization of other nutrients. Most processed foods contain free radicals that cause a great deal of stress to the pancreas and other organs. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals and are important to overall health. Antioxidant vitamins include (A, C, E, D, B-complex, magnesium, Calcium, zinc and selenium). Omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Probiotics help to replenish friendly bacteria that are vital for digestion in the body (especially after taking antibiotics which kill harmful bacteria and friendly bacteria).

For more information on how to treat pancreatitis with diet and other resources I recommend looking at this book.

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