Pancreatitis is a serious disease that begins its development as a result of inflammation of the pancreas. Men suffer from the disease less often than women. Their disease is mostly chronic, and the symptoms of pancreatitis in women are more often acute. The pancreas is an important organ in the human body; pancreatitis affects it partially or completely. Symptoms of pancreatitis in men can be quite ominous.
The most common forms of pancreatitis are acute and chronic.
What is pancreatitis like?
The disease occurs in acute or chronic form. The chronic form, as a rule, is observed in men who did not treat the disease at an early stage of its development, triggering inflammation that turned into a chronic stage. The disease is prone to frequent relapses and exacerbations. In the acute form more often, in the chronic form - less often. Attacks of the disease can be quite long, up to six months or more. With such an interval between attacks, pancreatitis can be considered recurrent; if the interval is exceeded, it can be considered chronic.
If there are separate areas of inflammation (dots), pancreatitis is considered edematous. When inflammation spreads over larger areas - medium or large-focal.
Diagnosis and treatment of ailments
Pancreatic dysfunction may indicate a number of diseases that are dangerous to human health and even life. Pain, disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract and excretory system are characteristic of the following diseases:
- Pancreatitis. The main disruption of the pancreas occurs when the bile ducts are blocked. The gland ceases to secrete a sufficient level of enzymes necessary for the body and destroys its own tissues. Sandostatin is prescribed, an artificial inhibitor of pancreatic juice, which will help both restore tissue and prevent their further breakdown.
- Cancer formations. Using endoscopy, punctures and tomography, a gastroenterologist and oncologist conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the operability of the tumor.
- Tissue inflammation. When they occur, the temperature sometimes rises, on the basis of which the specialist conducts an additional examination to detect the problem. Treatment consists of taking antihistamines.
- Bacterial infection. Expressed in intoxication of the body. The patient must take a complex of antibiotics.
Additionally, analgesics are prescribed, which reduce the patient’s pain during the rehabilitation period and allow him to quickly return to his previous rhythm of life.
Why does pancreatitis occur?
Gallstones as one of the causes of pancreatitis
The main reason for the development of the disease in men is the consumption of alcohol, which negatively affects the pancreas, also the liver, stomach, and brain.
The occurrence and development of the disease is possible when:
- gallstone disease, which also often develops as a result of alcohol abuse;
- genetic predisposition;
- complications after surgery;
- abdominal injuries;
- allergies in the patient;
- the presence of viral, infectious, fungal diseases;
- use of certain medications.
Causes, symptoms and treatment of pancreatitis
The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system that participates in the life of the body in two ways - exocretory and endocrine. External secretion (exocrine) consists in the production of enzymes by its acinar part that are involved in the digestive process.
Substances in the cavity of the gland are in an inactive state (in the form of zymogens), and only when they enter the duodenum, they are activated with the help of enterokinase, which is contained in the parietal mucus, and then the enzymes begin to perform their functions in processing food.
The secretion of the gland contains an inorganic part, in which sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride ions predominate, which neutralize the acidic environment of the portion of food that passes from the stomach to the intestines. Organic composition - mainly consists of globulins, but the main part of pancreatic juice are enzymes. Moreover, some of them are secerated in an active state (amylase, lipase), and some in an inactive state (trypsin and chemotrypsin).
The existence of proenzymes and enzyme inhibitors that the organ produces prevents enzymes from damaging pancreatic tissue. Inflammation prevents the release of zymogens into the intestines, and their activation occurs in the gland, the tissue of which begins to be destroyed under the action of enzymes. As a result, penetrating into the systemic bloodstream, enzymes and toxins released during tissue breakdown are carried to other organs, damaging their structure.
According to the nature of the course, pancreatitis is classified as acute and chronic.
How to recognize the disease and symptoms?
Signs of inflammation of the gland in acute form are more distinct. In the chronic form of the disease they are insignificant and blurred. It is men who suffer mainly from the chronic form of the disease as a result of frequent alcohol consumption. In women, in most cases, an acute form of the disease is detected.
The most characteristic signs of inflammation are spasms, pain in the upper abdomen, under the stomach. In the acute course of the disease, the pain is cutting until the position changes. In the chronic stage of the disease, the pain is aching for a long time, but not severe. Unpleasant symptoms of inflammation in the form of cutting pain, shortness of breath, sticky sweat, increased heart rate usually appear half an hour after eating food: sour, spicy, fried. The pain can be constant or paroxysmal; often the symptoms of this gland disease are a mask of development, manifestations of a heart attack, and pathological changes in the stomach. Lying on your back, the pain intensifies; in a sitting position, bending forward, the pain decreases.
Increased gas formation with pancreatitis
Maybe:
- temperature rise to high levels, often febrile;
- increased flatulence;
- nausea, vomiting;
- rashes on the body;
- dizziness, tremor;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- lack of appetite, poor digestibility of food taken, resulting in weight loss and weakness in the body;
- the appearance of yellowness on the skin.
Symptoms of the disease
The symptoms of the disease in men and women are not fundamentally different. The disease manifests itself with different signs depending on the stage of the inflammatory process, the form of pancreatitis, its cause, and the degree of damage to the pancreas.
The first signs of pancreatitis in men
Symptoms that may indicate pancreatitis are the following:
- Abdominal pain. The localization depends on the location of the gland lesion: if the tissues of the head of the pancreas suffer as a result of the pathological process, then the pain is felt in the right hypochondrium, with inflammation of the body - in the epigastric region, with pathology of the tail of the gland - in the left hypochondrium. Often the pain is girdling in nature, radiating to the lower back. It can even hurt inside the chest or lower abdomen. The pain is poorly controlled by the usual analgesics or antispasmodics.
- Abnormal stool. Typically, patients complain of diarrhea or the appearance of mushy, sticky, shiny stool (due to the undigested fat it contains).
- Nausea, vomiting after eating.
- Increased body temperature, general intoxication symptoms in acute pancreatitis of moderate severity and in severe cases of the disease.
Symptoms usually develop after eating, and in the first stages of the disease (especially in subacute or mild inflammation), men usually do not attach much importance to these signs, since they do not like to be treated and do not go to the doctor. This is fraught with the development of severe complications, some of which are life-threatening.
Symptoms of pancreatitis in alcoholism
Alcoholic pancreatitis usually occurs as a chronic disease with a gradual increase in symptoms:
- weight loss;
- change in color of the skin and mucous membranes (jaundice), the appearance of a rash on the skin;
- frequent pancreatogenic diarrhea, which provokes the elimination of most of the vitamins and microelements supplied with food, which leads to disruption of metabolism and the functioning of all organs and systems;
- dyspeptic symptoms;
- signs of diabetes.
General symptoms
Different forms of pancreatitis have a similar clinical picture. Symptoms vary in severity and duration. The clinical picture of any type of disease contains the following signs:
- pain syndrome;
- symptoms of dyspepsia;
- intoxication;
- change in skin color, appearance of rash;
- changes in laboratory test parameters (changes in the biochemical composition of the blood are of primary importance for diagnosis - increased amylase, diastase, alkaline phosphatase or other pancreatic enzymes);
- detection of changes in pancreatic tissue of an inflammatory, degenerative nature during ultrasound and CT scans of the abdominal organs.
Manifestations of acute form
Acute pancreatitis has the most striking clinical picture. Symptoms develop immediately after exposure to an etiological factor (drinking alcohol or “forbidden” foods). The patient's health deteriorates sharply.
The main signs of acute inflammation:
- severe abdominal pain, local or encircling;
- nausea;
- indomitable vomiting, which does not improve the patient’s well-being (the vomit contains undigested food, bile, and if internal bleeding develops, blood);
- bloating;
- bowel disorder (severe diarrhea);
- clinical manifestations of intoxication syndrome (fever, general weakness, tachycardia, arterial hypotension, in severe cases - loss of consciousness and others);
- hemorrhagic spots on the skin of the abdomen, which are located in the projection of the pancreas (in severe pancreatitis or pancreatic necrosis).
In the case of a mild course of the disease and timely effective treatment, the gland tissue heals, the symptoms are completely relieved, test results return to normal, and the patient recovers. But more often in men, the pathological process becomes chronic due to low, compared to women, adherence to long-term complex treatment and non-compliance with doctor’s recommendations for disease prevention.
Signs of chronic form
Chronic pancreatitis has a wave-like course with periods of remission and exacerbation. Attacks of the disease occur due to errors in diet, violation of diet, work and rest, nervous or physical stress, and alcohol consumption.
The period of exacerbation clinically occurs as acute pancreatitis, but the symptoms are usually less pronounced.
The remission stage can be asymptomatic, but with a long course of the disease with frequent exacerbations, symptoms characteristic of chronic pancreatitis in men are revealed:
- discomfort, pain in the abdomen after eating;
- flatulence;
- problems with stool (diarrhea or constipation), changes in the consistency and color of stool;
- jaundice;
- weight loss due to enzyme deficiency and, as a consequence, impaired digestion of food to cachexia (extreme degree of exhaustion);
- signs of vitamin deficiencies, anemia (pallor, dry skin, brittle hair, nails, general weakness, dizziness);
- disturbances of appetite, sleep, neuropsychic disorders;
- symptoms of diabetes mellitus due to destruction of the endocrine part of the pancreas.
Treatment of chronic pancreatitis involves constant adherence to a therapeutic diet, taking enzyme preparations as needed (Creon, Pancreatin), drugs that normalize gastrointestinal motility (Motilium), antispasmodics (No-Shpa) and other etiotropic, symptomatic drugs.
Dyspepsia is a sign of pancreatitis
Damage to the gland leads to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and these are the main symptoms besides pain due to pancreatitis. But it is too early to confirm the diagnosis of this disease; only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis based on a series of tests that the patient must undergo. Often, in addition to vomiting, the temperature rises during illness and inflammation progresses.
Nausea and vomiting
The disease can be recognized by vomiting; it has a number of features:
- painful, indomitable, repeated constantly, does not bring relief;
- the masses may contain remnants of undigested food, then bile is released;
- discharge of blood impurities in severe damage to the pancreas.
At the acute, early stage of the disease, constipation and diarrhea appear, alternating with each other. The feces are light gray in color, have an unpleasant odor and contain particles of undigested food. The development of flatulence is inevitable.
The disease is dangerous for men, leading to complications and disastrous consequences; it must be treated.
Peeling skin
Pancreatitis affects the general well-being of the patient, changes the skin and its color:
- hypovitaminosis appears;
- the skin dries and peels, becomes less elastic, turns pale, and signs of cyanosis appear;
- hair becomes brittle and thin;
- the corners of the lips are affected by jams;
- The skin tone of patients with pancreatitis becomes earthy-gray.
As the disease progresses, the mouth becomes constantly dry, the tongue and palate are inflamed, there is constant belching with a putrid odor, and hiccups. The weight decreases sharply, the stomach swells, and upon examination the doctor will find bluish spots with a marble tint on the navel and lower back.
Symptoms of dysfunctions and history taking
Any visit to a doctor begins with the expression of complaints and ailments that the patient has recently developed. If there are disturbances in the functioning of the gland, symptoms do not appear immediately. It becomes fully expressed in the last stages of the development of diseases that provoke discomfort in the abdominal area. Even during the initial discomfort, its cause should be determined.
Pancreatic dysfunction exhibits symptoms of a different nature:
- general deterioration of the patient's condition;
- the appearance of signs of inflammation;
- losing weight or showing a tendency to lose weight;
- slowing down the processes of regeneration and cell growth;
- digestive problems;
- constipation;
- acute pain.
Particular attention should be paid to pain that occurs with dysfunction. They are usually expressed either in the area of the gland itself or in the entire adjacent region. This could be the lower back or the thoracic region under the ribs. The pain is especially intense when it is concentrated in the subcostal region, which requires treatment with medication.
Pain in disorders is divided into several types:
- point;
- girdling;
- acute;
- chronic.
A point type of discomfort is characterized by pain only in a certain place, most often in the pancreas, less often in the abdominal cavity. The girdle pain immediately covers a wide band of tissues in the lumbar region and parts of the thoracic region. It is sharper because it is felt with any movement and even with breathing. Sometimes stabbing pains can occur in any part of the abdominal or chest cavity and quickly subside without causing serious discomfort. Such cases are extremely rare.
A much more common companion to dysfunction is acute cutting pain.
The acute subtype is characterized by sharp pain in the intestines, stomach and glands. The attacks begin abruptly and pass within 10-60 minutes. If the discomfort lasts longer, then it is advisable to call an ambulance with suspected appendicitis or another ailment.
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Chronic pain is characterized by increasing waves of discomfort that then gradually subside. During them, the patient does not lose the ability to lead a normal rhythm of life; with the proper level of patience, he can continue his daily activities. However, this is not a reason to endure pain and do nothing: if you detect it, you need to consult a therapist.
Methods for diagnosing the disease
Tests for pancreatitis
Of course, the signs of inflammation are similar to some other diseases and an accurate diagnosis cannot be made on their basis. In addition, pancreatitis can be congenital, and this requires at least a family history.
When you contact a doctor, the following will be prescribed:
- general blood test, also for biochemistry;
- urine test to determine amylase levels;
- undergoing endoscopy of the gallbladder and ducts to assess the condition of internal organs;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity to detect stones in the ducts and gall bladder;
- computed tomography to determine the degree of damage to the pancreas, the presence of stones in the ducts;
- cholangiopancreatography to obtain cross-sectional images of the pancreas.
What treatments are there for pancreatic diseases?
Symptoms of pancreatic inflammation in men require immediate medical attention. An attack of acute pancreatitis can be so severe that the patient's life is in danger.
If you have recurring abdominal pain, it is best to consult your primary care physician or gastroenterologist.
Pancreatitis and its treatment should be entrusted only to a trusted specialist; self-medication is strictly not recommended. After all the tests and examinations, the doctor will choose the most suitable treatment method.
If pancreatitis is chronic, treatment will be conservative. The first thing the doctor will recommend is strict adherence to the diet. To quickly relieve the patient of pain, painkillers and antispasmodics are prescribed. These medications significantly improve the patient's quality of life.
The complex treatment regimen also includes enzyme therapy. The doctor will prescribe medications that will help the pancreas function properly and digest food. Such tablets can be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor, and only in the chronic form of the disease. In the event of an acute attack, they can cause harm.
If a patient is hospitalized with an attack of acute pancreatitis, the doctors’ tactics will be as follows:
- First you need to stabilize his condition. For this purpose, therapeutic fasting may be prescribed for 1-2 days.
- A cold weight, such as an ice bag, may be placed on the abdomen in the pancreas area. This is necessary to reduce the activity of enzyme production.
- Also, to reduce the level of enzymes in the blood, droppers are prescribed. If necessary, the patient may be prescribed antibiotics.
If all conservative treatment methods are ineffective and the patient's condition continues to deteriorate, the question arises of removing the pancreas. This operation is called pancreatectomy. This is the main method of surgical treatment of the pancreas.
Sometimes during the operation it becomes necessary to remove the spleen, gallbladder, or the upper part of the stomach. Much depends on the condition of these internal organs. The doctor must assess their ability to function normally.
During surgery, there is a certain risk of complications. In overweight patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, it is slightly higher than in others.
The recovery process after surgery will take at least 6-8 weeks. The patient must remain in the hospital under medical supervision for at least 7-10 days. During rehabilitation, compliance with a special diet will be of great importance.
Diseases of the pancreas require careful medical supervision, so even if you feel relatively well, you need to be regularly examined by a doctor and have your blood tested for enzymes.
Modern medicine has proven methods of treating pancreatic diseases:
- Drug treatment.
- Surgical intervention.
Treatment options are determined by a specialist after a series of examinations. Diseases such as pancreatitis and diabetes are treated with medications. Surgery is used to treat cancer, cysts, and abscesses.
- The patient's first priority is to follow a diet.
- On the first day, when an exacerbation occurs, you cannot eat, but you can only drink weakly brewed tea and mineral water. This leads to a decrease in the inflammatory process and only after that liquid, half-thick food is introduced into the diet.
- But throughout the entire course of treatment, you should not eat spicy, salty foods, alcohol, and you should also stop smoking.
- Pain syndrome is relieved with the help of cold, as well as taking medications, which are necessarily prescribed by the attending physician.
Also, do not forget about traditional methods of treatment. In these cases, freshly squeezed potato juice, lemons, garlic, parsley, golden mustache, medicinal chamomile, and herbal preparations are used.
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But you should never forget that self-medication leads to more disastrous consequences and worsening of the disease. Therefore, any treatment should be carried out with the participation of a specialist.
Read about what medications to relieve inflammation of the pancreas here.
How is pancreatitis treated in men?
The pancreas is harmed by alcohol, fatty, fried, spicy foods. First of all, you need a diet, eating chicken, lean veal, and fish. The digestibility of fresh milk is poor, since the stomach usually suffers along with the pancreas. It is better to take low-fat fermented milk products. You can eat vegetables, fruits, and non-sour apples. It is better to bake them, use sweet varieties.
Treatment of pancreatitis in men
You should not eat raw egg yolks. The main thing is to give up bad habits when you are sick: smoking, alcohol, drinking coffee. If you give up unhealthy foods, follow a diet, and eat right, the discomfort and symptoms of pancreatic disease will become much less.
Complex carbohydrates are beneficial. The introduction of rice, buckwheat, millet, pasta, and rye bread into the diet is mandatory. It is important to minimize the load on the pancreas and protect it from the irritating effects of harmful products. It is better to take food chopped and boiled. You should give up fried, spicy, carbonated foods forever.
Milk thistle will help cleanse the liver and pancreas of toxins. Soy regulates blood sugar levels. Taking turmeric will relieve inflammation, symptoms, pain and nausea. It can be added as a seasoning to dishes. It will prevent rotting and necrosis of areas in the pancreas, and constant intake of a decoction of gentian root will relieve the unpleasant symptoms of this disease.
Causes of pancreatic disease
The most common cause of pancreatitis in men is regular consumption of large amounts of alcohol. In addition, the causes of pancreatitis may be:
- disturbances in the outflow of bile in inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract and cholelithiasis;
- the predominance of fatty foods in the diet, as well as its combination with alcohol;
- deepening of the duodenal ulcer and its spread to the adjacent pancreas;
- gastritis and duodenal ulcer with high acidity;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - disorders of sphincter tone, developmental anomalies, gastritis, duodenitis, diverticula;
- viral hepatitis, especially B, mumps, infectious mononucleosis, Coxsackie and ECHO viruses, parasites;
- endocrine disorders - overproduction of hormones by the parathyroid glands, which leads to calcium deposition in the pancreas tissues;
- large doses of hormonal drugs, chemotherapy in the treatment of oncology, overdose of diuretics and other drugs - tetracycline, sulfonamides;
- methyl alcohol poisoning;
- closed and penetrating abdominal injuries;
- vascular diseases.
If the bile that gets into the pancreatic ducts is infected with bacteria, the situation gets worse. Bile components cause necrosis of pancreatic tissue and activate its own enzyme systems. As a result, the process of self-digestion begins.
Rice. 3 - Possible causes of pancreatitis.
Hereditary (familial) forms of pancreatitis are associated with genetic disorders of the metabolism of certain amino acids and their accumulation in pancreatic tissue (aminoaciduria).
The development of pancreatitis in men is promoted by smoking, which causes prolonged spasm of the pancreatic vessels. This leads to a deterioration in metabolism in the organ and contributes to the chronicity of the disease.
Acute pancreatitis can appear as a result of a number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures:
- after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to diagnose bile outflow obstructions (stones, tumors, adhesions), in which contrast may enter the pancreatic duct;
- after operations on the stomach and bile ducts and bile leakage;
- after kidney transplantation during treatment with azathioprine and corticosteroids.
Therefore, it is very important to identify the factors that resulted in the development of the disease. Only in this case can the progression and relapse of the disease be prevented.
The development of pathological processes in the pancreas may remain unnoticed for several months or even years. Since the organ gradually loses its functions, the disease will certainly make itself felt. Some factors can provoke inflammation and cause an attack:
- alcohol consumption;
- cholelithiasis;
- overweight;
- viral hepatitis;
- poisoning;
- heredity.
Find out what are the symptoms of pancreatitis in women.
The cause of malfunction of the pancreas is endocrine and excretory insufficiency.
Factors leading to the formation of pathology may be:
- surgical intervention on the gastrointestinal tract;
- genetic predisposition;
- diseases of the biliary system;
- hormonal imbalance;
- pathologies of the duodenum;
- abdominal injuries;
- uncontrolled use of certain medications;
- vascular pathologies.
The disease can occur due to the influence of several factors.
Inflammatory processes can also develop under the influence of external and internal (exogenous and endogenous) factors.
External reasons
External causes of pancreatitis include:
- the presence in the menu of a large amount of fatty, spicy, salty foods, in addition, excessively hot or cold dishes;
- alcohol abuse. The presence of chronic pancreatitis is observed in almost all men diagnosed with alcoholism;
- smoking. The danger of this addiction lies in the deterioration of blood circulation in the pancreatic tissues, as well as in the increase in the secretion of pancreatic juice, which causes destruction of the gland.
- frequent stress;
- long-term treatment with certain types of medications (diuretics, hormonals, certain types of antibiotics);
- pancreatic injuries, well-being after surgery.
Internal reasons
Internal causes of pathology include:
- gastrointestinal pathologies. These include cholelithiasis, in which, due to blockage of the pancreatic ducts, the transportation of pancreatic juice to the duodenum is disrupted and congestion occurs. Risk factors include diseases such as: cholecystitis, gastritis, hepatitis, duodenitis;
- obesity;
- pathologies of the thyroid gland or other organs of the endocrine system;
- gastrointestinal infections (fungal, helminthic, viral, bacterial invasions);
- hereditary predisposition, congenital pathologies of the structure of the pancreas and other digestive organs;
- allergic reactions (inflammation of the pancreas).
The role of breathing exercises in pancreatitis
Breathing exercises for pancreatitis
Massaging the internal organs is very useful, so performing breathing exercises can significantly help reduce attacks of pancreatitis and achieve stable remission. After attacks of illness, you need to perform exercises several times a day, gradually increasing the number to 9 procedures per day.
- Inhale and hold your breath for a count of 3 seconds. Exhale deeply, tighten your stomach. Hold your breath while inhaling for 2-3 seconds, then quickly draw in your stomach, exhale, relax your abdominal muscles.
- Pull your stomach in, while exhaling, hold the position for 3 seconds, relax your abdominal muscles. Inhale, inflate your stomach. Exhale, draw in your stomach.
The manifestation of symptoms in pancreatitis is influenced by the form, type, and severity of the disease. The signs and symptoms of pancreatic disease are quite varied, and it is difficult to make a diagnosis on your own. If similar symptoms appear, men should not hesitate to visit a doctor. As a result, pancreatic disease leads to complications, relapses, and is quite dangerous. If you suspect it, it is better to immediately consult a doctor, undergo an examination and prescribed treatment.
Pancreatic amylase is normal in the blood of men
The doctor’s task when a patient comes to him with complaints of abdominal pain is to establish the correct analysis and prescribe competent treatment. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe tests and other additional studies.
A good marker that will definitely answer whether a patient has problems with the pancreas is pancreatic amylase.
This is a digestive enzyme that, together with pancreatic juice, enters the duodenum and helps the body digest food and absorb carbohydrates.
With developing pancreatitis, amylase remains inside the pancreas and causes destruction of the organ. Part of the enzyme enters the blood. To determine the amount of amylase, a blood test is prescribed.
Carrying out the analysis requires preliminary preparation. The day before donating blood, you should refrain from fatty fried foods and alcohol. The analysis is taken on an empty stomach, the last meal should be 6-8 hours before.
Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis much faster. He can also be helped in this by an ultrasound examination of the pancreas, an x-ray, a general blood and urine test.
How to relieve pain in the pancreas at home
If acute pain occurs, you should immediately call a doctor. Before his arrival, you can take a number of measures to reduce pain:
- Lie on your back, relaxed.
- Place a heating pad with ice on your upper abdomen.
- You can't eat.
- You can drink non-carbonated alkaline mineral water.
- You should not take pain medications until seen by a doctor.
Universal drugs to reduce abdominal pain:
- paracetamol - to reduce swelling of the organ, reduce exacerbation of inflammation;
- drotaverine, no-shpa - to relax the walls of the organ ducts and the outflow of pancreatic fluid;
- metoclopramide - to normalize intestinal function;
- simethicone, espumizan, meteospasmil - to eliminate flatulence.
Diet is an important stage in the treatment of pancreatitis
Now you know what the symptoms of pancreatitis in women are. Treatment and diet are two concepts without which it is impossible to cope with pancreatitis.
Diet is one of the main conditions for recovery. The gland should not be under pressure, and the diet should be gentle. In order not to feel the signs of pancreatic disease in women, you need to listen to the following rules:
- eat often, at least 5 times a day;
- reduce portions, as large amounts of food put too much strain on the pancreas;
- fried foods, smoked foods, fatty foods are excluded, and the processes of creating dishes are defined as steaming, stewing or boiling;
- for pancreatitis, it is undesirable to indulge in foods rich in plant fiber (cabbage, persimmons, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers), since their frequent use can provoke an attack;
- Sour berries and fruits are not allowed in the diet, and it is better to eat apples baked or pureed;
- the amount of carbohydrate foods should be reduced, and in return, increase the consumption of protein foods: lean meat, lean fish, turkey. You can have one egg per day and only soft-boiled. Fermented milk products and cottage cheese are required, but if the body is intolerant, you can replace them with milk;
- the pancreas is harmed to one degree or another by both hot and cold foods, so it is recommended to eat warm foods;
- limit your consumption of salt and canned products.
To no longer worry about signs of pancreatic disease in women, it is necessary to completely eliminate:
- alcohol,
- cocoa, coffee, strong black tea,
- carbonated drinks.
It is important to follow a strict diet for a long time: as a rule, this is at least 9-12 months. Once the patient’s condition has stabilized, there is stable remission and the food is well tolerated, the diet can be expanded somewhat, but only by especially observing the strictest recommendations: a ban on alcohol and fatty foods.
Diagnostic measures
It is very difficult to detect pancreatitis in men in the early stages of the disease. The symptoms are too mild, appear irregularly, and a man can explain frequently occurring symptoms by a host of other reasons, without thinking about the possibility of problems with the health of the pancreas. Therefore, as a rule, a visit to a doctor occurs only when the symptoms of pancreatitis appear regularly, cause severe discomfort and there is practically unremitting pain in the area where the gland is located.
Signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
When contacting a specialist, the first diagnostic measure is palpation. The specialist feels and applies light pressure on the left side of the body, at an angle between the ribs and the spinal column. With pancreatitis, a man will feel pain upon palpation. The doctor applies pressure under the navel, at a distance of 2 cm from the latter. The patient will also feel soreness. A specialist must necessarily examine the patient’s tongue - on the surface of the tongue with pancreatitis there is a whitish coating, and atrophy of taste buds is also observed.
The mandatory and most complete analysis by which one can judge the presence of pancreatitis and the degree of its development is a blood test. The specialist looks at the level of white blood cells in the blood and also checks the level of amylase. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and is responsible for the processing of starch, as well as glycogen. The normal level of its content in the blood should not exceed 65 units. An excess of twice the norm indicates the presence of pancreatitis in a man. The critical level of amylase in the blood serum is 1000 units - this is evidence of the patient’s critical condition and indicates an urgent need for surgical intervention.
The first diagnostic measure for pancreatitis is palpation
An increased level of leukocytes is evidence of the presence of a focus of inflammation in the body. By the number of leukocytes, a specialist can judge how strong the source of infection is. The following indicators also play an important role: ESR, pancreatic enzymes, glucose, hematocrit, lipase, and trypsin.
Note! In addition to the above diagnostic measures, the patient must be prescribed an ultrasound of organs located in the abdominal cavity and a biopsy. To carry out the latter, specialists need to take biopsy material from the patient. To do this, the patient's skin is pierced in a place located above the pancreas, and the required amount of material is collected.
Prevention of dysfunctions
How to restore health after a course of medications or with mild dysfunctions? Gland pathologies can be prevented if you follow the minimum rules of a healthy lifestyle.
Gastroenterologists strictly prohibit non-compliance with the diet.
To maintain the pancreas and other digestive organs it is necessary:
- Eat an extremely balanced diet. You cannot replace your daily diet with one cake or put yourself on an unthinkable diet. At least a minimum amount of vital proteins, fats and carbohydrates must be supplied to the body, and the volumes must be measured. A suitable preventative diet can be prescribed by the nutritionist responsible for the treatment or examination.
- Follow a meal schedule. The diet must include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at least one snack. It is ideal to eat food every 3-4 hours, when the previous meal has already been fully absorbed, and gastric juices have not yet had time to damage the walls of the empty stomach. For breakfast, a person should receive a maximum of carbohydrates and fats, then the remainder and proteins are evenly distributed over other meals.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcoholic drinks disrupt the functioning of the gland, burn the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to heartburn and bloating. Complete abstinence is the optimal preventive measure, but if it is not possible to completely eliminate alcohol, you should at least reduce it to a minimum (no more than once a week) while treatment lasts.
- Avoid foods that are too fatty and that have been heavily fried in oil. With this processing, food loses essential vitamin elements.
- Avoid stress while the body is recovering, try to spend more time with your family and on vacation. Maintain a sleep schedule.
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How to make the pancreas work using folk remedies?
The folk method of treating pancreas involves, first of all, the use of medicinal herbs: decoctions, infusions, tinctures. If the functioning of the gland is disrupted, the use of herbal remedies is prescribed for pancreatic pathology with extreme caution. The organ reacts to any irritating substance with the death of cells, which subsequently cannot be restored. Therefore, even to proven herbal components, if the functions of the pancreas are impaired, an allergic reaction may unexpectedly occur, which will intensify the pathological process and cause a cascade of tissue-destructive reactions.
It is recommended to use traditional recipes after consultation with a doctor. Some recipes are acceptable: for example, crushed buckwheat, poured with low-fat kefir in the evening - a good breakfast for pancreatitis and for diabetics. Rosehip decoction is also useful, which is allowed even for acute pancreatitis, before and after pancreatic surgery. Compotes made from dried fruits, fruit jelly and oatmeal are recommended - this has a healing effect on the gland.
To lower blood sugar, there are ready-made medicinal preparations in the form of teas (Arfazetine), but they are prescribed only by an endocrinologist, since they have contraindications and side effects.
Diagnostics
The symptoms of pancreatitis that arise due to inflammation of the pancreas in men require an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, to carry out diagnostic measures, gastroenterologists and attending physicians send the patient for laboratory examination.
List of necessary tests:
- general analysis of blood cells;
- biochemical blood test;
- complete biochemical examination of urine;
- examination of the immune system for the presence of antibodies, lymphocytes, antigens;
- performing an ultrasound scan of the peritoneum to identify damaged and enlarged internal organs;
- computed tomography of internal organs.
Each of the above tests is very important and provides additional characteristics of pathological pancreatitis, so it is necessary to adhere to the doctor’s prescriptions to more accurately determine the diagnosis.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis in men also have visual characteristic signs:
- Unusual weight loss for the patient. A sharp loss of body weight in a victim occurs when the digestion of food is disrupted, which indicates insufficient secretion of enzymes by the pancreas for good digestion. When food enters the gastrointestinal tract, it is not completely digested and comes out with increments in the form of pieces of unprocessed food, which results in a lack of replenishment of the body with useful microelements.
- Paleness, dry skin. A man suffering from a chronic form of the disease experiences a lack of vitamins, which leads to brittle nails and flabby skin. The patient complains of pain during administration and after eating food. Vomiting may occur.
The data does not serve as a definitive fact of the occurrence of pancreatitis in men, since the symptoms of the disease have a fairly extensive affected area and their own symptoms, often intertwined with other equally dangerous diseases.
correct diagnosis
Proper diagnosis and treatment for pancreatitis in men prevents serious consequences of the disease and saves the life of the patient under care.
Symptoms of pancreatitis during pregnancy
The occurrence of pancreatitis during pregnancy can be provoked by chronic diseases of the biliary tract, increased cholesterol levels, changes in taste preferences, and uncontrolled intake of vitamins. The difficulty in diagnosis is that the main factors - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, deterioration in health - are often mistaken for toxicosis.
The diagnosis is facilitated by functional diagnostics.
An acute attack can pose a threat to the fetus, therefore, if a pregnant woman feels unwell or other symptoms of exacerbation of pancreatitis appear, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance.
Treatment of dysfunction
If the disease is not in an advanced state, treatment can be carried out without prescribing medications. The attending physician prescribes a special diet when the first signs appear. It is better if the patient completely refuses food on the first day. Crackers are allowed in any quantity.
The diet must be strictly followed. It is forbidden to eat fatty foods and eat in large quantities. Black tea and still mineral water will help treat dysfunction during inflammation. You need to drink at least 1.5 liters. At first, doctors advise drinking approximately 3 liters of Narzan or Essentuki mineral water per day. Then you need to gradually reduce the amount.
If the pancreas begins to function poorly, the patient should eat foods low in calories and low in salt. It is prohibited to eat smoked and fried foods. It is advisable to follow such a diet for a month, and if you do not consume harmful foods at all, then the pancreas may no longer bother you.
To treat the symptoms of the disease, medications are prescribed that contain all the enzymes necessary for the organ. The following tablets are used in treatment:
Treatment of severe pain radiating to the left hypochondrium is carried out with the drug No-shpa. It helps relieve spasms and increase ducts in the body. A person with a diseased pancreas is not allowed any unnecessary physical activity. Disorders that are not noticed in time can lead to the tissues of this organ dying.
Pancreatic dysfunction is also dangerous because, in addition to the negative effect on the digestive process, it negatively affects the entire body.
Treatment of the disease in children and adults is aimed at relieving acute pain. The child is immediately sent to a hospital for treatment. The doctor should constantly monitor blood pressure and pulse. To eliminate violations in children, the following are used:
https://youtu.be/FjI0mJGGHLM
A very important point is to ensure complete rest of this organ while simultaneously compensating for all energy costs. Treatment of dysfunction in children begins with a 2-day fasting break. These days, gastric secretions are sucked out using a nasogastric tube. The doctor prescribes medications whose action is aimed at blocking pancreatic secretion. Most often these are Somatostatin and Dalargin. For children, if severe pain is observed, the doctor prescribes antipsychotic and analgesic drugs. After all the measures, you must strictly follow the prescribed diet, avoid excessive physical activity, stressful situations and lead a quiet lifestyle.
Manifestations of various pathologies
Pancreatitis
The acute form of pancreatitis most often develops when drinking large amounts of alcohol, especially low quality. The onset of the disease can be triggered by eating fatty foods or traumatic injury. In rare cases, the disease occurs against the background of complete health; much more often, an exacerbation of the chronic form of the disease is observed.
Acute pancreatitis manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- pain in the upper abdomen, under the ribs. It has a girdling character and high intensity;
- increased body temperature;
- nausea and vomiting.
Such patients require emergency care and treatment should be carried out only in a hospital setting.
The chronic form of the disease is characterized by less severe clinical manifestations. In this case, symptoms arise and develop gradually. Usually the onset of the disease is provoked by poor diet or alcohol intake. With a long course of the disease, the death of gland parenchyma cells occurs and their replacement with connective tissue. If not treated in a timely manner, this can cause the development of persistent digestive insufficiency.
Patients with this form of pancreatitis note the appearance of a dull aching pain, a feeling of heaviness and fullness under the ribs. Increased symptoms are always associated with food intake; on an empty stomach, clinical manifestations decrease.
The disease often occurs with alternating periods of remission and exacerbation. In this case, the patient may, at certain periods of time, develop signs that are characteristic of an acute form of the pathology. Over a long period of time, glucose tolerance may be impaired and diabetes mellitus is highly likely to occur.
Neoplasms
Every year the number of patients with pancreatic cancer increases. Since the organ performs two functions, digestive and endocrine, tumors can also be of two types. This is determined by which cells the tumor begins to grow from.
A malignant pancreatic tumor can manifest itself as acute pancreatitis. But it is possible that symptoms associated with tumor growth of the bile duct or its compression may occur. In this case, the patient develops jaundice. It is also possible to develop diabetes mellitus due to the destruction of functionally active endocrine cells of the gland.
Stones and cysts
A cyst is a neoplasm that is a cavity delimited by a fibrous capsule. Liquid usually accumulates inside. They can occur in any part of the organ, and the signs of this pancreatic disease are usually nonspecific. Discomfort appears in the upper abdomen, digestion is disrupted, and body weight decreases. To clarify the diagnosis, additional examination is required.
Stones in the pancreas are rare. They can appear either independently or as a result of disturbances in mineral metabolism in other organs. Sometimes they form in a place where there were previously pathological changes in the gland tissue. The most common location is the head of the organ; they are usually found accidentally during an ultrasound.
The presence of stones in the pancreas can manifest itself in the same way as cysts and other neoplasms. Sometimes a stone may block the common bile duct. In such cases, jaundice appears and severe pain may occur.
Knowing how pancreatic disease manifests itself, each person can promptly consult a doctor if pathology occurs. This will allow you to undergo a timely examination and begin treatment at an early stage of the disease.
The pancreas is an important organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones that control carbohydrate metabolism. Pancreatitis (inflammation of this gland) develops for various reasons. More often, adult men suffer from this pathology: this is due to their less commitment to a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and neglect of their health. Symptoms of inflammation of the pancreas in men depend on the cause of the disease, the stage of the inflammatory process, and the severity of damage to the organ.
Causes of the disease
The most common cause of pancreatic dysfunction is chronic pancreatitis, which gradually progresses. In addition, the disease can develop in response to the following conditions:
- inflammatory diseases of the stomach and duodenum, peptic ulcer;
- advanced pathologies of the biliary system (dyskinesia of the gallbladder, chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, bile reflux into the large pancreatic duct);
- constant violation of diet;
- lack of proteins, predominance of fried, spicy and fatty foods in the diet;
- alcohol abuse.
People with a hereditary predisposition to pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract should especially carefully follow their diet, choose protein-rich, low-fat foods and steam food. Otherwise, the disease will arise sooner or later.
Patients with pancreatic dysfunction should completely avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, since they pose a serious danger to the pancreas.
Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine recommends eating raw potatoes or their juice for pancreatitis. The herbs used to prepare decoctions used for inflammation of the pancreas must have anti-inflammatory, choleretic and antispasmodic properties, for example: St. John's wort, calendula, chamomile. Collections of medicinal herbs are effective, for example: corn silk, celandine, dandelion root, tricolor violet, anise fruit, knotweed are mixed in equal proportions. 1 tbsp. l. The mixture is brewed with a glass of boiling water. It should be consumed half an hour before meals, warm, 1/4 cup. These remedies can only complement the main treatment after consultation with the doctor.
Early diagnosis and adequate treatment can completely eliminate any pathology of the pancreas. As a preventive measure, it is worth limiting the consumption of fatty, fried foods. You shouldn't overeat either. The greatest harm to the gland is caused by regular consumption of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, the main preventive measure in preventing the development of pancreatic diseases is refusal or minimal consumption of alcoholic beverages. And, of course, a healthy lifestyle is crucial for a strong immune system.
How dysfunction manifests itself in children
This disease in children can manifest itself with the same symptoms as in adults, with additional signs of the disease such as:
- bloating
- pancreatic swelling
- sudden weight loss
- the appearance of pale, frequent stools with oily excrement
- episodic fever
Symptoms of dysfunction in children, especially preschoolers, may manifest themselves sluggishly, and the nature of the pain is short-term and not intense. That is why you should not ignore a child’s complaints of abdominal pain, no matter how intense they are. An examination prescribed by a gastroenterologist and laboratory tests will help clarify the diagnosis. The causes of this pathology in children may be:
- errors in the child’s nutrition in the form of spicy, hard-to-digest food complications after viral and bacterial infections
- chronic stress
- mental trauma
- obesity
- diabetes
Treatment of pancreatic dysfunction in children most often takes place under conditions of strict adherence to a diet; the child is prescribed antispasmodics and painkillers. Additionally, enzymes, antihistamines and antibacterial agents are taken. If this condition is not treated, complications may arise in the form of gastrointestinal diseases.
Diagnosis of pathology
If signs characteristic of pancreatic pathology arise, you should consult a doctor who, after examination and questioning, will determine what research is needed and make a preliminary diagnosis. Symptoms of gland dysfunction in women are sometimes difficult to distinguish from signs of gynecological pathology. In this regard, diagnosis of women always includes a consultation with a gynecologist.
Mandatory studies to establish a diagnosis are biochemical and clinical blood tests, as well as urine tests. One of the most informative methods is ultrasound, with which you can accurately determine the condition of the parenchyma, the size of the organ, and identify stones, cysts or tumors.
The stool coprogram has still not lost its relevance; this method is able to determine the relative insufficiency of the pancreas. A scatological examination must be done before prescribing pancreatic enzymes. Pathological phenomena in this case are:
- creativeorrhea - increased content of muscle fibers (normally there are very few of them);
- steatorrhea - neutral fat, fatty acids in feces;
- amilorrhea - the content of a large amount of starch in the masses (impaired breakdown of carbohydrates).
In addition, signs of organ dysfunction can be identified using X-ray studies of FGDS. If previous diagnostic measures are unsuccessful, the patient may be prescribed a CT or MRI, as well as a biopsy of gland tissue.
https://youtu.be/z8e85nEMdt4
You should not engage in self-diagnosis, since the symptoms of many diseases of the pancreas and other gastrointestinal tract organs are similar.
Quick diagnosis and proper therapy increase the patient's chances of curing the disease. Advanced pancreatic pathology can lead to the development of pancreatic necrosis and an unfavorable prognosis.
Diet for dysfunction
Inflammation of the pancreas - pancreatitis
To restore the normal functioning of the pancreas, strict adherence to the diet is necessary for quite a long time. If the condition worsens, complete abstinence from food is required for 1-2 days; liquid is allowed in the form of herbal infusion and rosehip decoction.
You need to start returning to a nutritious diet with rice water. Next on the menu are pureed rice or buckwheat porridge, slimy soups, steamed omelette, vegetable broth with white bread croutons, steamed meatballs and chicken cutlets.
After 10-12 days, you can move on to a diet that you will have to stick to for a long time. Recommended Products:
- Boiled and steamed vegetables, fish, lean meat
- Pasta, porridge
- Dairy products, cottage cheese, low-fat and mild cheeses
- Dried fruits and compotes from them
There are significant restrictions in the form of foods that cannot be eaten with this disease: rich broths, canned food, pickles and marinades, legumes, mushrooms, cabbage, radishes and radishes, confectionery, candy, coffee, carbonated drinks, butter, smoked and fried foods .
The main thing when following a diet is to take the load off the pancreas, creating resources for its restoration. It is worth giving preference to protein foods, limiting the consumption of carbohydrates. Drinking alcohol, strong tea, and coffee is strictly not recommended.
Life forecast
According to statistics, 15% of patients die from acute pancreatitis in the absence of medical care. If complications occur, such as pancreatic necrosis, 70% of cases are fatal. With timely medical care in acute cases and with further outpatient treatment and proper nutrition, doctors assess the chances of a long life as high.
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Problems with the pancreas primarily affect the functioning of the digestive system, but can disrupt the normal functioning of almost all organs. The pancreas is an organ of mixed secretion and the largest gland of the human body. It produces digestive enzymes and hormones that affect overall metabolism.
It is located slightly below the stomach (hence the name) and is slightly shifted to the left. It is conventionally divided into the following parts:
- head - considered the largest part of the gland and located in the loop of the duodenum;
- body - part of the gland located in the center;
- the tail is the thinnest part of the organ, located to the right of the spine closer to the spleen.
How to stimulate the organ?
The doctor will explain in detail how to properly stimulate the functioning of the pancreas in case of impaired functions. The pancreas is such a delicate and sensitive organ that any external or internal negative influences lead to massive death of its cells. Areas of the pancreas that die are not restored: they are replaced by connective (scar) or fatty tissue, which are not able to perform the normal functions of digestion and hormone production. With each subsequent pathological process in the gland, the amount of normally functioning parenchyma of the organ decreases, and the patient’s condition progressively worsens.
When you consult a doctor with the first signs of poor health, it is still possible to restore the partially changed activity of the pancreas. To do this you need:
- follow the diet prescribed by a specialist,
- change lifestyle,
- regularly engage in physical therapy,
- take drug therapy.
Together, this will improve the functions of the pancreas and the condition of the body as a whole.
Normalization of functioning
To restore normal functioning of the gland, it is recommended to completely change your lifestyle. First of all, this applies to alcohol consumption. It is one of the main factors leading to disruption of the organ. It is a toxin that causes damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the pancreas. Lack of normal blood supply leads to the death of pancreatic cells. Alcohol also has a direct damaging effect on the cells of any organ, including the pancreas. For some people, drinking a small amount of alcohol-containing drinks is enough for acute pancreatitis to develop in a catastrophically quick time. The use of alcohol is especially dangerous for a patient with existing pancreatitis. In such cases, you need to give up even low-alcohol drinks.
It is recommended to drink enough non-carbonated alkaline mineral water. In the absence of contraindications, the doctor may prescribe 2-3 liters of water per day. This indirectly stimulates the functioning of the pancreas and helps the production of pancreatic juice. The amount and duration of mineral water intake is regulated by the doctor.
The patient should include regular moderate physical activity and therapeutic exercises in his routine. During exacerbations, intense physical labor is contraindicated.
Methods for stimulating the pancreas
If the disease is not advanced, treatment can be done without taking medications. The doctor will prescribe a specific diet, which should be strictly followed to prevent the development of the disease.
In cases with a verified diagnosis, medications are prescribed to stimulate the pancreas, which, depending on the impaired function, can make the organ’s activity normal. This is one of the effective methods if you strictly follow the recommendations.
If pancreatitis is detected, the patient should take enzyme replacement therapy. It is prescribed by a doctor: the selected drug is strictly dosed, since with high doses of external enzymes in tablet form, iron may stop producing them on its own. Taking a small dose of enzymes is needed to stimulate the body's production of its own enzymes.
For diabetes mellitus, glucose-lowering therapy is prescribed. If there is significant damage to pancreatic tissue, when insulin production has stopped, insulin replacement therapy is also prescribed. Without taking insulin, severe complications of progressive diabetes mellitus will quickly occur. Large doses are not prescribed so as not to disrupt the synthesis of your own hormone by the remaining intact cells.
In addition to basic replacement therapy, a number of drugs are prescribed that help reduce inflammation in tissues, reduce swelling during exacerbation, relieve pain and dyspeptic symptoms accompanying exacerbation. A significant improvement in the general condition due to the stimulation of organ activity, which leads to the normalization of all functions, explains why it is necessary to take the prescribed complex treatment.
Diet to improve organ function
To normalize the functioning of the organ, diet plays a paramount role. It is special nutrition within the framework of treatment table No. 5 according to Pevzner for pancreatitis (there are several options, taking into account the condition of the organ) and various formations in the gland, and table No. 9 for diabetes mellitus that can reduce pain and discomfort caused by disorders in the organ. This is explained by a decrease in the functional load on the damaged organ. Moreover, not only the quality of certain products plays a role, but the frequency and quantity of food eaten at one time. You need to eat 5-6 times a day in small portions at fixed times, with equal time intervals.
Fatty, spicy, fried and smoked foods are strictly excluded. When consuming this food, the gland requires a large amount of pancreatic juice with a high content of enzymes, as well as a long time to process harmful products.
If a dish is eaten in large pieces, chewing poorly, the load on the organ similarly increases: in order to digest a large piece, the secretion of the gland must also be increased. At the same time, a large amount of produced pancreatic secretion due to the inflammatory process can be retained in the ducts, not having time to quickly exit into the lumen of the small intestine. This is dangerous because enzymes enter the pancreas parenchyma and trigger the process of autolysis—self-digestion of the gland. The pathology worsens, the disease worsens, and the gland further reduces its functions.
The basis of nutrition for impaired pancreas function is porridge cooked in water, vegetable soups, for which you can use non-rich broths, mild low-fat cheeses, poultry, rabbit, beef, veal, and weakly brewed tea. The method of preparing dishes is important: the food is boiled, steamed, stewed, but not fried. Butter is limited; vegetable oil can also be consumed in limited quantities.
The same measures will help stop destructive processes at the onset of the disease. Since pancreatic pathology is often accompanied by dysfunction or diseases of the gallbladder, general recommendations must be followed to exclude the development of gallstone disease.
Carbohydrate intake in diabetes mellitus is sharply limited, sometimes completely eliminated for a while. This allows you to reduce the functional load on the organ and reduce the dose of glucose-lowering drugs (insulin).
For any pathology of the pancreas, fast food, dishes with large amounts of salt, sugar, juice seasonings, preservatives and other harmful additives are strictly prohibited.
Forms of pancreatitis and their characteristics
- Chronic – characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which disrupts its exocrine and endocrine functions. The inflammatory process leads to disruption of the blood supply to organ cells and metabolic processes in them. This is the reason for the gradual replacement of gland cells with connective tissue, restructuring of the organ occurs and it loses its functional activity. The chronic form of pancreatitis is characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission.
- Acute – characterized by severe inflammation of the pancreas, a significant increase in the organ’s size, the occurrence of severe swelling, disintegration and necrosis of gland cells. As a result, there is a risk of infection entering the abdominal cavity through foci of organ decay. The pancreas completely stops producing hormones and enzymes that play a vital role in digestion.
Pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis
Note! The acute form of pancreatitis may be accompanied by the formation of ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Types of acute pancreatitis
Prevention
To normalize the secretion of pancreatic juice, you should eat regularly and properly. Long breaks between meals should be avoided. It is recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages, especially those that contain large amounts of gas and preservatives.
An additional preventive measure is timely treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. You should also not take drugs from the group of antibiotics, NSAIDs, corticosteroids and oral contraceptives without first consulting a specialist.
Features of therapeutic intervention
Treatment of pancreatic dysfunction is prescribed based on the results of laboratory and diagnostic tests. Depending on the severity of the pathological process, the doctor recommends:
- Medicines.
- Herbal treatment.
- Dieting.
- Therapist's help.
- Healing with mineral water.
In most cases, all these therapeutic measures are used comprehensively.
Treatment with medications
The following medications are recommended for the treatment of pancreatic dysfunction:
- Painkillers.
- Antibiotics.
- Antihistamines.
- Medicines that reduce the activity of the gland.
- Blockers of proton pump or histamine receptors of the pancreas.
Drugs | Peculiarities |
Painkillers | Prescribed to eliminate painful symptoms: Diclofenac, Ketorolac. |
Antispasmodics | Myotropic antispasmodics are recommended: Duspatalin, No-shpa, Platyfillin, Drotaverine. |
Antibiotics | Preference should be given to drugs with a wide range of effects. Preferably in various combinations, for example, Metronidazole, Fluoroquinolones and Cephalosporins. |
Antihistamines | Taken to reduce the activity of the inflammatory process and relieve nervous tension: Pipolfen, Diphenhydramine. |
Blockers | From this medication group the following are recommended: Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Ranitidine, Lansoprazole. |
Medicines that reduce pancreatic function | They inhibit the production of pancreatic juice, thereby preventing further damage to the pancreas: Sandostatin (a chemical analogue of the hormone somatostatin). |
Treatment with folk remedies
It should be said that in case of pancreatic dysfunction, the use of herbal medicines is indicated as an adjuvant to drug therapy.
The action of herbal remedies is directed:
- To reduce pain.
- To slow down the production of secretions.
The use of herbal medicines helps to get rid of some unpleasant symptoms.
Plants | Therapeutic effect |
Belladonna | Pain relief. |
Collection: lingonberry, violet, horsetail, birch | Reduces the production of pancreatic secretions. |
Collection: mint, chamomile, mullein, dried grass, St. John's wort, motherwort | Eliminates attacks of pain. |
Oat decoction
Take 1 tbsp. oats, grind in a meat grinder, add water (5 glasses). Boil over low heat for 10 minutes. Take 0.5 cups in small sips 3 times a day 30-40 minutes before meals.
Oatmeal jelly
Wash the oats, spread them in one layer and dry well. Grind the prepared raw materials into flour. Add a little cold water, stir into a homogeneous mass, then add boiling water and boil for 1-2 minutes. Leave the resulting medicine for 20 minutes and drink it at once. The mixture cannot be boiled again.
Herbal collection
A herbal infusion of the following medicinal plants will help normalize the working functions of the gland:
- Streak – 3 tbsp.
- Elecampane - 2 tbsp.
- Coltsfoot – 1 tbsp.
Combine the raw materials, add 0.5 liters of water and boil for 4 minutes, leave for 2 hours under a closed lid. Drink 0.5 cups 20 minutes before meals. The duration of the course is 25 days.
When treating with folk remedies, you should not stop taking prescribed medications, since herbs are not able to fully replace medications.
Treatment with diet
In order to restore the functionality of the gland, it is necessary to adhere to dietary restrictions. A long-term diet for pancreatic dysfunction is one of the main components of complex therapy for this painful condition. In case of exacerbation, doctors recommend fasting for 1-2 days. During this period, the body is supported with nutrients through their intravenous administration, and it is also allowed to take herbal decoctions, teas and rosehip infusion.
After abstaining from food for two days, you should return to food gradually, starting with rice water. In subsequent days, products and dishes from the permitted category are introduced into the menu.
The table below shows, as an example, the do's and don'ts of pancreatic dysfunction.
Allowed | Prohibited |
Buckwheat and rice porridge Steamed omelet Slimy soups Dried fruits Vegetable broths Steamed fish Cottage cheese Vegetables Compote Fruits White bread croutons Mild low-fat cheeses Steamed chicken cutlets and meatballs | Fatty broths Pickles Spices Smoked meats Canned food Marinades Radishes Mushrooms Coffee Radishes Sweets Butter Fried and fatty foods Carbonated drinks |
When dieting, it is important not to forget about complex vitamins, as well as proper food intake. When eating, you should not rush; be sure to chew every piece of food thoroughly. Portions should not be large, eat at least 5-6 times a day.
Treatment with mineral waters
Mineral water therapy is used to eliminate pancreatic dysfunction. This treatment can be used outside the relapse period of the disease, and it is carried out only at special resorts.
You should take mineral water at the first symptoms of deterioration of the gland. In this case, still water is recommended:
- Narzan.
- Borjomi.
- Essentuki.
You need to drink at least 1-2 liters of mineral liquid per day.