Pancreatitis treatment: the path to a healthy life

Pancreatitis treatment: the path to a healthy life

Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, is a serious disease that requires an integrated approach to treatment. The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion, developing the enzymes necessary for the breakdown of food, as well as hormones, such as insulin regulating blood sugar. Inflammation of the pancreas can disrupt these functions, leading to various complications. Effective treatment of pancreatitis is aimed at facilitating pain, reducing inflammation, preventing further damage to the pancreas and eliminating the main causes of the disease.

Acute pancreatitis: immediate help and restoration

Acute pancreatitis develops suddenly and is usually manifested by severe pain in the upper abdomen, which can radiate to the back. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever and rapid heartbeat. Treatment of acute pancreatitis usually requires hospitalization.

1. Supporting therapy:

• Starvation: In the early days of acute pancreatitis, starvation is usually prescribed to the patient to give a pancreas to relax and recover. This allows you to reduce the production of enzymes and reduce inflammation. Nutrients are administered intravenously (parenteral nutrition) to maintain the body.

• Anesthesia: Strong pain is a characteristic symptom of acute pancreatitis. To relieve pain, painkillers, usually opioid analgesics are prescribed. It is important to choose an adequate dose for effective anesthesia.

• Intravenous fluid infusion: Acute pancreatitis can lead to dehydration due to vomiting and reduced fluid intake. Intravenous fluid infusion helps to restore the volume of fluid in the body and maintain normal blood pressure.

• Oxygen therapy: In severe cases of acute pancreatitis, the function of the lungs can be disrupted, which leads to a decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood. Oxygen therapy provides additional oxygen to maintain normal saturation.

2. Elimination of the reason:

• Gallstone disease: The gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct are a common cause of acute pancreatitis. In such cases, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be required to remove stones from the duct. ERCHPG is a procedure in which a thin flexible endoscope is introduced through the mouth into the duodenum, where the ducts of the pancreas and gall bladder are opened. Special tools are used to remove stones. In some cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be required after stopping the acute episode of pancreatitis to prevent repeated attacks.

• Alcohol: Alcohol abuse is also a common cause of acute pancreatitis. Patients with alcoholic pancreatitis need to completely abandon the use of alcohol. They may need help in overcoming alcohol dependence.

• Other reasons: Less commonly, acute pancreatitis can be caused by other factors such as medicines, injuries, infections or genetic disorders. Treatment in these cases is aimed at eliminating the main cause.

3. Complications and their treatment:

• Pseudo -vsists: Pseudocysts are accumulations of fluid and enzymes that can form around the pancreas after acute pancreatitis. Small pseudocists are often absorbed on their own. Large pseudocysts that cause symptoms, such as pain, nausea or vomiting, may require drainage. Draining can be performed through the skin (percutaneous drainage), endoscopically or surgically.

• Infected necrosis: In severe cases of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic necrosis (tissue death) may develop. Infected necrosis is a serious complication that requires immediate treatment with antibiotics and, possibly, surgical intervention to remove dead tissue.

• Organ failure: Severe acute pancreatitis can lead to organ failure, such as renal failure or respiratory failure. In such cases, intense therapy is required to maintain vital functions of the body.

4. Diet and lifestyle after acute pancreatitis:

• Gradual resumption of nutrition: After improving the patient’s condition and a decrease in pancreatic inflammation, the nutrition resumes gradually. Start with light, easily digestible food with low fat.

• Low fat diet: After acute pancreatitis, it is important to observe a low fat diet in order to reduce the load on the pancreas. Avoid fatty foods, fried foods, fast food and processed products.

• Regular nutrition in small portions: It is recommended to eat regularly in small portions during the day so as not to overload the pancreas.

• Refusal of alcohol: A complete rejection of alcohol is mandatory for patients with alcohol pancreatitis and is recommended for all patients who have undergone acute pancreatitis.

• Refusal of smoking: Smoking can aggravate pancreatic inflammation and slow down the recovery process. Patients with pancreatitis are recommended to quit smoking.

• Hydration: Maintaining an adequate level of hydration is important for recovery after acute pancreatitis. It is recommended to drink a lot of liquids, such as water, herbal teas and diluted juices.

Chronic pancreatitis: long -term management and relief of symptoms

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammation of the pancreas, which leads to irreversible organ damage. It is characterized by constant or periodic abdominal pain, digestive disorders and pancreatic failure. Treatment of chronic pancreatitis is aimed at relieving pain, improving digestion, preventing further damage to the pancreas and treatment of complications.

1. Anesthesia:

• Analgesics: Pain is the main problem for patients with chronic pancreatitis. To relieve pain, various analgesics can be used from over -the -counter painkillers to opioid analgesics. It is important to choose an adequate anesthesia scheme under the supervision of a doctor.

• Nervous blockade: In some cases, when analgesics are ineffective, nervous blocks can be used to block pain signals from the pancreas.

• Surgical intervention: In severe cases of chronic pancreatitis, surgical intervention may be required to relieve pain. Surgical options include pancreatic resection (partial or complete removal of the pancreas) or drainage of the pancreatic duct.

2. Feet -replacement therapy:

• Enzyme drugs: Chronic pancreatitis can lead to pancreatic failure, which means that the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes for digesting food. Feet -replacement therapy (ZFT) includes taking enzyme preparations that help to break down food and improve digestion. Enzymes should be taken during meals. The dose of enzyme preparations should be selected individually under the supervision of a doctor.

3. Diet and food:

• Low fat diet: As with acute pancreatitis, with chronic pancreatitis, it is important to observe a low fat diet in order to reduce the load on the pancreas. Avoid fatty foods, fried foods, fast food and processed products.

• Regular nutrition in small portions: It is recommended to eat regularly in small portions during the day so as not to overload the pancreas.

• Sufficient consumption of calories and nutrients: Patients with chronic pancreatitis often experience difficulties with the absorption of nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition. It is important to ensure sufficient consumption of calories and nutrients. In some cases, additional nutrition may be required, for example, oral food supplements or parenteral nutrition.

• Vitamins and minerals: Chronic pancreatitis can lead to a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. It may be necessary to take vitamin and mineral additives, especially B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E and zinc.

• Avoid alcohol: A complete rejection of alcohol is mandatory for patients with alcoholic pancreatitis and is recommended for all patients with chronic pancreatitis.

• Refusal of smoking: Smoking can aggravate pancreatic inflammation and slow down the recovery process. Patients with pancreatitis are recommended to quit smoking.

4. Treatment of complications:

• Pseudo -vsists: Pseudocysts formed in chronic pancreatitis may require drainage if they cause symptoms.

• Pancreatic stenosis: Stenosis (narrowing) of the pancreatic duct can lead to pain and impaired outflow of enzymes. The stenosis of the pancreatic duct can be treated endoscopically by installing a stent to expand the duct.

• Diabetes sugar: Chronic pancreatitis can lead to damage to the cells that produce insulin, which can lead to diabetes. Patients with diabetes caused by chronic pancreatitis may require insulin therapy.

• Steatorrhea: Stiatoraea (the presence of fat in feces) is a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis due to disorders of fat digestion. Stiatorhea can be treated with replacement with enzyme therapy and a low fat diet.

5. Life and psycho -emotional support:

• Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises can help improve the overall health and well -being of patients with chronic pancreatitis.

• Stress management: Stress can aggravate the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. It is important to learn stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises.

• Psychological support: Chronic pancreatitis can have a significant effect on the quality of life of patients. Psychological support, such as consultations or therapy, can help patients cope with emotional and psychological problems associated with chronic pancreatitis.

• Support groups: Joining support groups for patients with pancreatitis can provide the opportunity to communicate with other people faced with similar problems and share experience and tips.

6. Alternative and additional treatment methods:

• Phytotherapy: Some herbal products, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti -inflammatory properties and can help reduce pancreatic inflammation. However, before using any herbal products, you need to consult a doctor.

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help relieve pain and improve the general health of patients with chronic pancreatitis.

• Meditation and yoga: Meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and improve the overall well -being of patients with chronic pancreatitis.

7. Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis:

Surgical intervention for chronic pancreatitis is considered in cases where conservative treatment is ineffective in relief of pain or the treatment of complications. Surgical treatment options include:

• Freya operation: This operation includes the removal of part of the pancreatic head and the creation of a wide duct to improve the outflow of pancreatic juice.

• Operation Begera: Like Frey’s operation, but includes wider removal of the pancreatic tissue.

• Pancreatodoodectomy (Wippla): This operation includes the removal of the pancreatic head, parts of the small intestine, gall bladder and part of the stomach. It is usually carried out with pancreatic tumors, but can also be used for chronic pancreatitis if other treatment methods are ineffective.

• Total pancreatectomy with autotransplantation of islet cells: This operation includes the complete removal of the pancreas, followed by transplantation of islet cells (cells that produce insulin) back into the liver. The purpose of this operation is to prevent the development of diabetes after removing the pancreas.

8. Forecast and quality of life:

The prognosis for pancreatitis depends on the severity of the disease, the cause and presence of complications. Acute pancreatitis usually has a good prognosis, especially if the reason is eliminated. Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disease that can lead to a decrease in the quality of life. However, with proper treatment and management, symptoms can be alleviated, to prevent complications and improve the quality of life of patients with chronic pancreatitis.

It is important to regularly visit a doctor and comply with all the recommendations for treatment and lifestyle. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help improve the prognosis and prevent complications of pancreatitis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, rejection of alcohol and smoking, compliance with diet and stress management are important factors in maintaining the health of the pancreas and improve the quality of life.