What is Pancreatitis ?
Location of the Pancreas : It is a large organ and it lies behind the stomach and right next to the small intestine.
Functions : It is a very vital organ with specific functions that include the release of hormones glucagon and insulin into the blood stream that helps and controls in using the food for the energy by the body; releasing of the powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestines that further assists in digestion of food.
Pancreatitis : It is a condition of the pancreas where they become inflamed as the digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestines become active while they are still in the pancreas and start attacking the pancreas itself. This can become chronic or acute depeding on the condition of the pancreas.
What are the types of Pancreatitis ?
Pancreatitis is of two types. They are :
1. Acute Pancreatitis : It is a condition where in the pancreas get inflamed. It is a short term illness known to cause mild to severe pain and can get chronic if it is not attended to. With the right treatment it can be healed. Gall stones are the most common cause of Acute Pancreatitis. These solid masses are formed from the bile. Both pancreas and gall bladder use the same bile duct through which bile and the other digestive enzymes pass through. These gall stones are known to cause inflammation in both the bile and the pancreas. The symptoms can get severe with internal bleeding into the gland, formation of cyst, infections, damage of the tissue and can also affect heart, lungs and kidneys in the long run.
2. Chronic Pancreatitis : It is a condition of the pancreas where there is a chronic inflammation that is not ready to heal. Long term inflammation of the pancreas leads to the formation of the scar tissue. This leads to inadequate production of digestive enzymes resulting in the indigestion of the fats. It can also be the outcome of the repeated bouts of acute pancreatitis. It can also be due to severe alcohol consumption that has led to chronic pancreatitis. In such cases you rarely have any symptoms. It just onsets causing severe discomfort and remains for a very long time. Autoimmune and genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis also lead to chronic pancreatitis.
What are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis ?
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis :
- Abdominal pain
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Swollen abdomen
- Bloated stomach
- Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis :
- Inflammation as shown in the imaging scans
- Pain in the abdomen
- Weight loss
- Indigestion of fatty food
- Fatty stools with bad odor
- Steatorrhea
Both acute and chronic pancreatitis conditions more or less share the same symptoms. The enzymes fail to produce in good quantities leading to poor absorption capacity. As a result, the body is deprived of the essential nutrients. Steatorrhea could be the condition that has led to poor absorption.
What are the risk factors for Pancreatitis ?
Pancreatitis is something that one cannot ignore as it can get life threatening over a period of time. Some of the risk factors include:
Acute Pancreatitis :
- Gall stones
- Heavy alcohol consumption
Chronic Pancreatitis:
- Alcohol consumption
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Galls tones
- High triglycerides and Lupus
How is Pancreatitis diagnosed ?
The two enzymes amylase and lipase that aid digestion is measured through blood tests. A high level in these two enzymes indicates an imbalance in their production. Apart from these two tests you may also be asked to go through other tests such as:
- Pancreatic Function Test : This test reveals if the pancreas are making the right anount of enzymes
- Glucose Tolerance Test: It measures the damage caused to the cells due to the production of insulin
- Ultrasound/CT Scan/MRI : Captures images of the pancreas that gives a clear picture of the changes in the pancreas
- ERCP : Yet another test that allows us to look in to the pancreas and bile ducts through the x-rays
- Biopsy : A needle is inserted and a sample is collected to examine under a microscope for any changes in the cells.
- Blood, urine and stool Tests : These tests are also done to be surer of the condition of the pancreas.
How is Pancreatitis treated ?
Treatment for acute and Chronic Pancreatitis doesn’t differ much. The patient is hospitalized. The pancreas is put under rest and the digestion process has to be stabilized. Hence you will be given fluids and nutrition intravenously. It enters into your nose and directly goes to your stomach through the feeding tube. An oral diet can be resumed depending on your condition. Some people are quick on their feet once their bodily functions get normal while the others take time for a week or even more to get back that energy.
Diet : All good things are supplied by a healthy diet that’s good for the body and is eventually good for the mind as well once you start recuperating. Hence a low fat diet helps recover you from Pancreatitis. When the pancreas function has reduced it cannot digest high fatty food. Eat fat free small meals as it reduces the work done by the pancreas. Drink more fresh fruit juices and consume lots of water as it keeps you hydrated. Because of the Steatorrhea condition the absorption of food is reduced leading to deprivation of the essential Nutrients. The Top organ transplant doctor in Hyderabad will advise you on vitamin supplements so that you get what your body is not able to produce at the moment.
Surgery : Best Organ transplant surgeon in Hyderabad tries their best to treat them with medication and put restrictions on diet and insist on lifestyle changes. Despite every effort sometimes the surgeon resorts to surgery to rectify the problems. They may have to conduct a surgery on the patient to :
- Relieve abdominal pain
- Prevent loss of pancreatic enzymes and hormones
- Treat the blockage of the pancreatic ducts
- Reduce the repetitive attacks of acute pancreatitis.
Lifestyle Changes :
Organ transplant centers in Hyderabad, India speak about the quote that says better late than never. It has worked out well with those who have made a sincere effort in changing themselves in order to regain their precious health. As they say when you have good health its nothing compared to any wealth. It keeps you motivated and charged up for life. Quit smoking as you have done enough and let the lungs breathe the fresh air. Reduce drinking or stop drinking completely. If you have been an addict discuss it with your doctor. He will put you on a rehabilitation course and help you fight your addiction.
Other techniques that help in relieving the pain :
Despite taking the pain medications if you are still suffering from the pain, then you can do yoga and other relaxation exercises that include breathing meditation etc. to calm your pain. Your mind is deliberately distracted from the ongoing pain in your body that’s causing discomfort. It is a temporary solution. However the pain will subside once the infection is under control.
Complications :
Best hospital for organ transplant in Hyderabad; indicate that the complications caused by the pancreatitis can be multiple. They include:
- Breathing difficulties ( A common condition with patients suffering from acute pancreatitis)
- Kidney damage
- Pancreatic cancer
- Malnutrition
- Poor absorption
- Diabetes
Overview :
The impact certain habits that we develop out of infatuation with the statuses of your wealth or due to a severe addiction whichever it is can adversely affect your health. Hardly anyone realize the importance of the health. Only when the person is directly targeted only then he makes an effort to change and not otherwise. A healthy lifestyle accompanied with proper diet and the right medications and treatment at the right time can increase your life span without causing much harm. A secret to healthy life is to eat right, sleep tight, exercise and do not stress on anything.
Why KIMS ?
K.I.M.S is the best Hospital for organ transplantation in Hyderabad as they have an excellent team of medical practitioners who have become experts by handling various cases. This knowledge that has come over the years of their study and practice has enabled them to diagnose the condition of their patients and start a treatment immediately. Their goal is to take them on a road to recovery and they work hard to achieve it by guiding them and treating them with right medications.
Long-Term Outlook
You can control pancreatitis with a healthy lifestyle and medical treatment when necessary. Organizations such as the National Pancreas Foundation can provide resources and support to help you live a full and healthy life with pancreatitis.
However, if any of your symptoms recur, speak with your doctor as soon as possible