How to defeat pancreatitis and restore health

How to defeat pancreatitis and restore health

Part 1: Understanding Pancreatitis – the key to recovery

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach and playing a key role in the digestion and regulation of blood sugar. Understanding the causes, development mechanisms and various forms of pancreatitis is the first step towards a successful fight against this disease and restoration of health.

1.1 Anatomy and pancreatic physiology

The pancreas is an oblong organ about 15-20 cm long and weighing about 80 grams. It consists of two main types of fabrics:

• Exocrine part: It is about 95% of the mass of the gland and is responsible for the production of digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, proteases), which are released into the duodenum through the pancreatic duct. These enzymes are necessary for the splitting of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
• Endocrine part (Langerganes islands): It consists of cells producing hormones, such as insulin (reduces blood sugar) and glucagon (increases blood sugar). These hormones regulate carbohydrate metabolism.

1.2 causes of pancreatitis: from alcohol to genetics

Pancreatitis can be caused by many factors that can be divided into several main categories:

• Alcohol: Alcohol abuse is one of the most common causes of chronic pancreatitis. Alcohol has a toxic effect on the cells of the pancreas, causing damage and inflammation. The mechanisms include the formation of protein plugs in the ducts, an increase in the viscosity of pancreatic juice and premature activation of enzymes inside the gland.
• Gallstone disease: The bile stones stuck in the bile duct and blocking the general bile and pancreatic duct (papillae) can cause the back of the bile in the pancreas, leading to the activation of enzymes inside the gland and its self -transmission. This is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis.
• Hyperyglyceridemia: The high level of triglycerides in the blood (more than 1000 mg/DL) can cause damage to the blood vessels of the pancreas, leading to ischemia and inflammation.
• Medicines: Some drugs, such as some diuretics (furosemide, thiazides), antibiotics (tetracycline, metronidazole), immunosuppressants (azatioprine), can cause pancreatitis as a side effect.
• Infections: Viral infections, such as epidemic mumps (pig), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Koksaki virus, can affect the pancreas and cause pancreatitis.
• Injuries: Abdomen injuries, especially dumb injuries, can damage the pancreas and cause inflammation.
• Operations: Operations on the organs of the abdominal cavity, especially operations on the biliary tract and pancreas, can lead to the development of pancreatitis.
• Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, can cause pancreatitis.
• Genetic factors: Some genetic mutations, for example, mutations of the PRSS1 gene (tripsinogen gene), Spink1 (tripsin inhibitor gene), CFTR (transmembrane transmembrane conductivity of cystic fibrous conductivity) may predisposed to the development of pancreatitis.
• Idiopathic pancreatitis: In some cases, the cause of pancreatitis cannot be established. This is called idiopathic pancreatitis.

1.3 Types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic

Pancreatitis is divided into two main forms: acute and chronic.

• Acute pancreatitis: It is characterized by a sudden onset of pancreatic inflammation. Symptoms usually include severe pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever. In most cases, acute pancreatitis takes place without serious complications, but in severe cases it can lead to pancreatic necrosis, infection, organ failure and even death.

  • Light acute pancreatitis: Not accompanied by organ failure or local complications.
  • Moderately severe acute pancreatitis: It is accompanied by transient organ failure (permitted within 48 hours) and/or local or systemic complications.
  • Severe acute pancreatitis: It is accompanied by persistent organ failure (more than 48 hours).

• Chronic pancreatitis: It is characterized by progressive inflammation of the pancreas, which leads to irreversible damage to the tissue of the gland and impaired its functions. Symptoms may include chronic abdominal pain, digestive impairment, weight loss, diabetes. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to the development of complications, such as pseudocysts, stenosis of the ducts, pancreatic cancer.

  • The early stage of chronic pancreatitis: It is characterized by episodic attacks of pain.
  • Late stage of chronic pancreatitis: It is characterized by constant pain, digestion and endocrine deficiency.

1.4 Symptoms of pancreatitis: We recognize the danger

Symptoms of pancreatitis can vary depending on the shape and severity of the disease.

• Symptoms of acute pancreatitis:

  • Strong pain in the upper abdomen: The pain usually begins suddenly and can give in the back, shoulder or chest. The pain can be constant or wave -like.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Vomiting can be multiple and not bring relief.
  • Fever: Improving body temperature.
  • Far heartbeat: Tachycardia.
  • Bloating: Flatulence.
  • Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and sclera (with obstruction of the bile ducts).
  • Weakness and fatigue.

• Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:

  • Chronic abdominal pain: The pain can be constant or periodic, aching, pressing or burning. The pain can intensify after eating.
  • Indigestion: Diarrhea, steator (fat stool), weight loss.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Bloating.
  • Nausea.
  • Diabetes: Increased blood sugar.
  • Weakness and fatigue.

1.5 Diagnosis of pancreatitis: from tests to visualization

Diagnosis of pancreatitis includes the collection of an anamnesis, physical examination and laboratory and instrumental studies.

• Laboratory research:

  • Blood test: Determination of the level of amylase and lipase (pancreatic enzymes). With pancreatitis, the level of these enzymes is significantly increased. The level of leukocytes (to detect inflammation), glucose (to detect diabetes), bilirubin (to detect obstruction of the bile ducts), triglycerides are determined.
  • Urine analysis: Determination of the level of amylase.
  • The analysis: Determination of fat content (to detect steatore). A test for elastasis-1 in feces is also carried out (to evaluate the exocrine function of the pancreas).

• Instrumental research:

  • Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the abdominal cavity: Allows you to evaluate the dimensions and structure of the pancreas, identify the presence of bile stones, pseudocyst, the expansion of the pancreatic duct.
  • Computer tomography (CT) of the abdominal cavity: A more accurate method than an ultrasound that allows you to evaluate the condition of the pancreas, to identify necrosis, abscesses, pseudocysts, tumors.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdominal cavity: Allows you to obtain a detailed image of the pancreas and bile ducts, identify signs of inflammation, fibrosis, tumors.
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Invasive procedure that allows you to inspect the pancreatic and bile ducts using an endoscope, introduce a contrast medium and take x -rays. Used to identify stenosis, stones, tumors of the ducts. However, ERCP can cause pancreatitis itself, so it is carried out only according to strict indications.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound examination (Eusta): Allows you to get an image of the pancreas and surrounding tissues using an ultrasound sensor located at the end of the endoscope. Used to identify small tumors, cysts, inflammatory changes. Also allows you to take a biopsy from suspicious areas.

Part 2: Treatment of Pancreatitis: an integrated approach to restoration

Treatment of pancreatitis depends on the form and severity of the disease, as well as on the presence of complications. The main goals of treatment are:

• Relief of pain.
• Elimination of inflammation.
• Maintaining adequate nutrition.
• Prevention of complications.
• Treatment of concomitant diseases.

2.1 Treatment of acute pancreatitis: from hunger to surgery

Treatment of acute pancreatitis is usually carried out in a hospital.

• Starvation: In the first few days, the patient is prescribed starvation to reduce the load on the pancreas and reduce its stimulation.
• Infusion Therapy: Intravenous administration of solutions to replenish fluid and electrolytes lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Anesthetic drugs: To relieve pain, analgesics (paracetamol, ketorolala) and opioid analgesics (tramadol, morphine) are used.
• Proton pump inhibitors (IPP): They are prescribed to reduce the acidity of gastric juice and reduce pancreatic stimulation (omeprazole, pantoprazole).
• Antibiotics: They are prescribed for the development of infectious complications (abscess, infected necrosis).
• Nutrition: After the acute inflammation subsides, power is gradually administered through the mouth. They start with easily digestible food (broths, cereals), gradually expanding the diet. If it is impossible to nutrition through the mouth, parenteral nutrition (intravenous administration of nutrients) is prescribed.
• Surgical treatment: It may be required with the development of complications, such as pancreatic necrosis, abscess, pseudo -vibrations, obstruction of the bile ducts. Surgical treatment may include removal of necrotic tissues, abscess drainage, removal of gallstones, creating bypass anastomoses.
• Endoscopic treatment: ERCP can be used to remove bile stones from bile ducts or to stent the narrowed areas of the pancreatic duct.

2.2 Treatment of chronic pancreatitis: pain relief and function restoration

Treatment of chronic pancreatitis is aimed at facilitating pain, correction of digestive disorders and endocrine deficiency, as well as to prevent complications.

• Anesthetic drugs: To relieve pain, analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptylin), anticonvulsants (Gabapentin, Pregabalin), opioid analgesics (tramadol, morphine) are used. In some cases, a blockage of the wander -up plexus may be required (anesthetic injection into a nervous plexus located behind the pancreas) to relieve pain.
• Enzyme drugs: To compensate for the insufficiency of the exocrine function of the pancreas, enzyme preparations containing lipase, amylase and protease (creon, prankterate) are prescribed. Enzymes are taken during meals.
• Proton pump inhibitors (IPP): They are prescribed to reduce the acidity of gastric juice and improve enzymes.
• Vitamins and minerals: In chronic pancreatitis, there is often a deficiency of fat -soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and vitamin B12. Vitamin complexes are prescribed.
• Insulin: With the development of diabetes, insulin is prescribed to maintain the normal level of blood sugar.
• Diet: Strict compliance with the diet is one of the most important components of the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. It is recommended to exclude alcohol, fatty, fried and spicy foods. The power should be fractional, small portions, 5-6 times a day.
• Surgical treatment: It may be required in the presence of complications, such as pseudocysts, stenosis of the ducts, biliary obstruction, severe pain that is not amenable to conservative treatment. Surgical methods of treatment include drainage of pseudocyst, stenting of the ducts, removal of part of the pancreas (resection), pancreatododenal resection (WipPla operation).
• Endoscopic treatment: ERCP can be used to stent the narrowed areas of the pancreatic duct, removing stones from the duct, drainage of pseudocyst.

2.3 diet for pancreatitis: the basis of recovery

The diet plays a key role in the treatment of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. The purpose of the diet is to reduce the load on the pancreas and provide the body with the necessary nutrients.

• General principles of diet for pancreatitis:

  • Fractional nutrition: Eat in small portions 5-6 times a day.
  • Exception of alcohol: Alcohol is strictly prohibited for pancreatitis.
  • Fat restriction: The content of fats in the diet should be minimal (not more than 50 grams per day). Exclude fatty, fried and spicy foods.
  • Easily digestible food: Preference to give boiled, stewed or prepared for a couple of food.
  • Sufficient amount of protein: Protein is necessary to restore damaged pancreatic tissues. It is recommended to consume low -fat varieties of meat, fish, poultry, as well as cottage cheese, eggs.
  • Limiting simple carbohydrates: Limit the use of sugar, sweets, pastries.
  • A sufficient amount of liquid: Consume at least 2 liters of liquid per day (water, weak tea, compotes, fruit drinks).
  • Warm food: Food should be warm, not hot and not cold.

• Recommended products for pancreatitis:

  • Cereals: Oatmeal, rice, buckwheat porridge on water or lean milk.
  • Vegetables: Boiled or stewed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets, zucchini, cauliflower).
  • Fruits: Non -yielding fruits and berries in a wiped form or in the form of compotes, jelly.
  • Meat: Low -fat varieties of meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef) in boiled or stewed form.
  • Fish: Low -fat fish varieties (cod, pollock, hek) in boiled or stewed form.
  • Dairy products: Low -fat cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt.
  • Bread: Yesterday’s white bread, crackers.
  • Drinks: Neckos tea, compotes, jelly, fruit drinks, rosehip decoction.

• Products that should be excluded with pancreatitis:

  • Alcohol.
  • Fatty varieties of meat and fish (pork, lamb, salmon, mackerel).
  • Frying and smoked dishes.
  • Sharp seasonings and spices.
  • Canned food.
  • Sausage products.
  • Sweet soda drinks.
  • Chocolate, sweets, pastries.
  • Strong coffee and tea.
  • Legumes (peas, beans, lentils).
  • Fresh vegetables and fruits that cause gas formation (cabbage, radishes, radish, grapes, apples).

2.4 Folk remedies for pancreatitis: Help or harm?

The use of folk remedies for pancreatitis should be agreed with the doctor. Some herbs and products can have a positive effect on the pancreas, but others can be harmful and aggravated by the condition.

• Means that can be useful for pancreatitis (after consulting a doctor):

  • Chamomile decoction: It has anti -inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
  • Rosehip decoction: Contains vitamin C and strengthens immunity.
  • Ox decoction: It has an enveloping effect and protects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.
  • Infusion propolis: It has an antibacterial and anti -inflammatory effect.
  • Potato juice: It has an anti -inflammatory and wound healing effect. Only freshly squeezed juice should be consumed in small quantities.
  • Infusion of immortelle: It has a choleretic and anti -inflammatory effect.

• Means that can be harmful for pancreatitis:

  • Alcoholic tinctures.
  • Sharp herbs and spices (pepper, ginger, garlic).
  • Choleretic herbs (corn stigmas, tansy) without a doctor’s prescription.
  • Assembly products (legumes, cabbage).

It is important to remember that folk remedies do not replace drug treatment and diet prescribed by a doctor. The use of folk remedies should be an addition to the main treatment and is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Part 3: Life with pancreatitis: Prevention and maintenance of health

After the successful treatment of pancreatitis, it is important to comply with the recommendations of the doctor for the prevention of relapse and maintaining the health of the pancreas.

3.1 Prevention of pancreatitis: prevent relapses

Pancreatitis prevention includes the following measures:

• Refusal of alcohol: A complete rejection of alcohol is the most important factor in the prevention of pancreatitis, especially chronic.
• Compliance with a diet: Compliance with a diet with limitation of fats, fried and spicy foods.
• Treatment of gallstone disease: In the presence of bile stones, treatment (removal of the gallbladder) must be carried out in a timely manner.
• Triglycerides level control: With a high level of triglycerides, it is necessary to take measures to reduce it (diet, drugs).
• Refusal of smoking: Smoking worsens the blood supply to the pancreas and can contribute to the development of pancreatitis.
• Avoiding abdominal injuries: Avoid abdominal injuries, especially stupid injuries.
• Control of medication: Avoid prolonged use of drugs that can cause pancreatitis.
• Timely treatment of infections: Timely treatment of viral infections that can affect the pancreas.
• Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations with laboratory and instrumental studies to identify signs of pancreatitis at an early stage.

3.2 lifestyle with pancreatitis: Adaptation and maintenance of health

Life with pancreatitis requires adaptation to new conditions and compliance with certain rules:

• Regular nutrition: Eat food regularly, at the same time, in small portions.
• Avoid overeating: Overflow creates an additional load on the pancreas.
• Careful food chewing: Thorough chewing food facilitates the digestion process.
• Weight control: Maintaining normal weight reduces the risk of complications of pancreatitis.
• Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises improve blood circulation and general condition of the body.
• Avoid stress: Stress can worsen the condition of the pancreas.
• Sufficient sleep: A sufficient sleep (7-8 hours a day) is necessary to restore the body.
• Regular visit to the doctor: Regular visit to the doctor to control the condition of the pancreas and timely detect possible complications.
• Psychological support: Psychological support can help cope with emotional difficulties associated with pancreatitis.

3.3 possible complications of pancreatitis and their prevention

Pancreatitis can lead to the development of various complications that can significantly worsen the quality of life.

• Complications of acute pancreatitis:

  • Pancreatic necrosis: The death of pancreatic tissue.
  • Infected necrosis: Infection of necrotic pancreatic tissues.
  • Pancreatic abscess: The cluster of pus in the pancreas.
  • Pseudocysts of the pancreas: Closing fluid, surrounded by a wall of connective tissue.
  • Organ failure: Violation of the function of the lungs, kidneys, cardiovascular system.
  • Sepsis: General blood poisoning.
  • Death.

• Complications of chronic pancreatitis:

  • Chronic pain: Constant or periodic abdominal pain.
  • Indigestion: Diarrhea, steator, weight loss.
  • Diabetes: Increased blood sugar.
  • Pseudocysts of the pancreas.
  • Stenosis (narrowing) of the pancreatic duct.
  • Biliary obstruction (obstruction of the bile ducts).
  • Pancreatic cancer.

Prevention of complications of pancreatitis includes timely and adequate treatment of pancreatitis, compliance with diet, refusal of alcohol and smoking, regular medical examinations.

3.4 Alternative methods for treating pancreatitis: Is it worth it to take risks?

There are various alternative methods of treating pancreatitis, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, Ayurveda. However, the effectiveness of these methods is not proven by scientific research. The use of alternative methods for the treatment of pancreatitis can be risky and lead to a deterioration in the condition. Before using alternative treatment methods, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Alternative treatment methods should not replace traditional drug treatment and diet. They can only be used as an addition to the main treatment and under the control of a doctor. You should not rely only on alternative methods of treatment and abandon traditional medicine, especially in severe cases of pancreatitis.

3.5 Psychological aspects of life with pancreatitis

Life with pancreatitis can be difficult not only physically, but also psychologically. Chronic pain, disturbance of digestion, the need to observe a strict diet can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability. It is important to seek psychological support to a psychologist or psychotherapist. Psychological support can help cope with emotional difficulties, improve the quality of life and increase the commitment to treatment. There are various methods of psychological assistance, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, art therapy. It is important to find a suitable method and a specialist who will help to cope with the psychological problems associated with pancreatitis. Support from family and friends is also important. Communication with people who understand your problems can help cope with a sense of loneliness and isolation.

3.6 Conclusion: the path to health is possible

Pancreatitis is a serious disease that requires timely diagnosis and complex treatment. Compliance with the doctor’s recommendations, diets, rejection of bad habits, regular medical examinations and psychological support – all this will help to defeat pancreatitis and restore health. Do not despair, the path to recovery is possible!