Pancreatitis is the redness and swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas. It may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). The most common causes are alcohol abuse and lumps of solid material (gallstones) in the gallbladder. The goal for treatment is to rest the pancreas and let it heal.
Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time. The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach and below the ribcage.
Acute pancreatitis usually clears up within one to two weeks. Solid foods are generally avoided for a while in order to reduce the strain on the pancreas. Supportive measures like an infusion (IV drip) to provide fluids and painkillers can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
The main symptom of pancreatitis is pain felt in the upper left side or middle of the abdomen. The pain: May be worse within minutes after eating or drinking at first, more commonly if foods have a high fat content. Becomes constant and more severe, lasting for several days.
Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic condition characterized by pancreatic inflammation that causes fibrosis and the destruction of exocrine and endocrine tissues. Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disease, and no physiological treatment is available to reverse its course.
Most people with acute pancreatitis get better within a week and are well enough to leave hospital after a few days. Recovery can take longer in severe cases, as some people can develop complications. Read more about treating acute pancreatitis and the possible complications of acute pancreatitis.
Drink more fluids.
Pancreatitis can cause dehydration, so drink more fluids throughout the day. It may help to keep a water bottle or glass of water with you.
Whenever possible, stay away from fried or full-fat foods, as well as foods that are high in sugar. Red meat. Organ meat.
Acute pancreatitis may cause kidney failure, which can be treated with dialysis if the kidney failure is severe and persistent. Breathing problems. Acute pancreatitis can cause chemical changes in your body that affect your lung function, causing the level of oxygen in your blood to fall to dangerously low levels.
Emotional stress can excite the vagus nerve (connects the brain with the stomach) and causes the stomach to be stimulated to produce excessive amounts of acid. As noted, this increase in acid stimulates an increase in pancreatic secretion production. This can exacerbate pancreatitis once it has been established.
Turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and provides relief from the symptoms of an inflamed pancreas. It is recommended that pancreatitis patients take 500 to 700 mg of turmeric per day.
In the chronic form of this condition, episodes of pancreatitis tends to become more severe over time. The overall 10-year and 20-year survival rates are estimated to be about 70% and 45%, respectively. For some people, a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis can mean a lifetime of pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Rest and recovery, and fasting gives time to your pancreas to recover and work again for producing insulin and enzymes. Sleeping or fasting enables pancreas to regenerate enzymes.
There are a few things you must completely avoid, such as alcohol and fried/greasy/high fat foods (such as creamy sauces, fast food, full fat meat and dairy, and anything fried). These foods can cause your pancreas to release more enzymes at once than it normally would, leading to an attack.
In addition, as coffee consumption has been linked to a lower prevalence of diabetes and obesity, it may also indirectly decrease pancreatitis risk as both of these conditions are considered risk factors for pancreatitis.
By keeping your body at a healthy weight, you can make your pancreas work better and reduce some risk factors for pancreatitis. These include gallstones, obesity, and diabetes. Eat a balanced, low-fat diet and exercise regularly. Avoid alcohol.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
Constant pain in your upper belly that radiates to your back. This pain may be disabling. Diarrhea and weight loss because your pancreas isn't releasing enough enzymes to break down food. Upset stomach and vomiting.
What does the pain of pancreatitis feel like? Abdominal pain from pancreatitis may be moderate to severe and may radiate to your back. Acute pancreatitis tends to be more severe, with a penetrating quality. Your abdomen may feel tender to the touch.
Are bananas good to eat when you have pancreatitis? Ripe bananas are a good option because they're easy to digest. They also have a good amount of fiber, reducing your risk of gallstones and high triglycerides, which can sometimes cause acute pancreatitis.
Transformation of lifestyle is one of the ways to improve the functionality of your body organs including the pancreas. Exercises, stress reduction, weight loss, and detoxification are some of the lifestyle modifications that you can bring into your life.
The pancreas is permanently damaged, and it can't heal itself. So you'll have to take steps to reduce the stress placed on the pancreas. Two steps I urge my patients with this condition to take are to stop drinking alcohol and stop smoking cigarettes.