Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas which is a gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. This gland carries out vital functions that deal with the digestion of food. The Pancreas produces enzymes and insulin which regulates blood sugar. Inflammation can take place quickly and acutely over a period of days (acute pancreatitis) or can take place and reoccur over a period of many years (chronic pancreatitis). Pancreatitis can be caused by a wide variety of ways that cause trauma to the pancreas.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
- Pain in the abdomen
- Radiating pain in the lower back and/or chest
- Pain worsens with eating
- Relief in lying in fetal position
- Fever
- Nausea (Acute)
- Vomiting (Acute)
- Weight loss (Chronic)
- Oily, smelly stools (Chronic)
What Causes Pancreatitis?
The pancreas releases hormones and digestive enzymes that help allow the body to digest food. The digestive enzymes produced are not activated until they enter the small intestine. If these enzymes are activated prior to entry into the small intestine, they may cause irritation and damage to the pancreas. The most common causes of this premature enzyme activation are gall stones (in acute pancreatitis) and alcoholism (chronic pancreatitis). Other causes include smoking, certain drugs (such as azathioprine, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), infection, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, high triglycerides and ulcers.
Who's at Risk?
Factors that show the greatest risk for pancreatitis include:
- Alcoholism and smoking
- Gallstones (biliary tract disease)
- Recent surgery
- Age (35-64)
- Family history of the disease or high triglycerides
- African-Americans are at three times greater risk than Caucasians and Native Americans.
Diagnosis
Along with symptoms, personal and family history doctors can conduct tests to diagnose pancreatitis. Blood tests can reveal high levels of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas. Changes also often occur to blood sugar and trace minerals contained in the blood. Doctors can also identify gallstones using an ultrasound and inflammation and damage to the pancreas with a CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan. Another procedure that is used is known as an ERCP. This involves inserting a tube with a tiny camera at the end down the throat and through the stomach lining, through the small intestine and to the pancreas.
Treatment
The best treatment depends a great deal on the type, cause and severity of pancreatitis. In cases of acute pancreatitis, hospitalization is often required during which time the patient is rehydrated, abstains from food and is stabilized. In cases of chronic (recurring) pancreatitis the best thing that smokers and drinkers can do is to quit. Diet and nutrition become extremely important to preventing future pancreatitis attacks.
Diet
A diet that is low in fat and extremely high in nutrients is vital, along with lots of water. Along with this you should try to eat lots of raw vegetables (or slightly cooked), eliminate food allergens (dairy, wheat, preservatives, chemical food additives, etc), processed foods and exercise moderately.
Drugs
Enzyme supplements before meals can help alleviate the damaging effects caused by premature activation of pancreatic enzymes and help the body to better absorb food nutrients. Antibiotics and painkillers may also be prescribed.
Surgery
In some cases surgery can relieve pain of chronic pancreatitis. Surgery typically involves draining an inflamed pancreatic duct or removing part of the organ.
Acupuncture
Although studies are limited, some have shown that there are beneficial effects pancreatitis being treated through acupuncture.
Supplements
Sometimes the body is deficient in various nutrients that aid in the role of digestion or utilization of other nutrients. Most processed foods contain free radicals that cause a great deal of stress to the pancreas and other organs. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals and are important to overall health. Antioxidant vitamins include (A, C, E, D, B-complex, magnesium, Calcium, zinc and selenium). Omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Probiotics help to replenish friendly bacteria that are vital for digestion in the body (especially after taking antibiotics which kill harmful bacteria and friendly bacteria).
For more information on how to treat pancreatitis with diet and other resources I recommend looking at this book.
About this Author
I have learned a great deal about this disease from personal and research experience. Much of the study and research came from this book on pancreatitis diet [http://www.pancreatitisdiet.net]. Please consult a doctor before putting any advice and information you receive into action.
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