Pancreas is an organ situated in the abdomen. It is a spongy and organ. It measures about six to ten inches. It has a vital role in generating the food we eat into fuel required for the body to function. There are two major functions of the pancreas called exocrine and endocrine. Exocrine aids in digestion and endocrine aids in regulating sugar.
There are several diseases associated with the pancreas. Pancreatitis and Pancreatic cancer are the most common diseases.
Pancreatitis:
This is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic.
Acute Pancreatitis:
It is a sudden inflammation that lasts a few minutes to hours and subsides eventually. The pain associated with acute pancreatitis ranges from mild to severe. This can also be a life-threatening disease. Most cases of acute pancreatitis are properly cured after receiving proper Treatment For Pancreatitis. In severe cases, acute pancreatitis can cause cysts, bleeding, and tissue damage. In a few cases, damage can be done to vital organs like the lungs, heart, and kidneys.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis are nausea, vomiting, a swollen and tender belly, a high heart rate, and pain while eating fat-containing foods.
Chronic Pancreatitis:
This is a long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas. They persist for a longer time. It is an episode followed by acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is caused by regular consumption of alcohol. Extreme consumption of alcohol damages the pancreas slowly and sudden symptoms may appear.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis are similar to that of acute pancreatitis but you may experience constant disabling pain in your upper belly, diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting.
When pancreatitis is life-threatening, it can create complications if left untreated. As soon as you notice the slightest symptoms reach out to a gastro hospital in Coimbatore. The gastro specialist may ask you to undergo a few tests to determine pancreatitis in the body.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis for pancreatitis includes blood tests, stool tests to determine the levels of fats, and computer tomography. After the necessary examination and diagnosis, the doctor may recommend you to a Pancreas Specialist for proper treatment.
Causes of Pancreatitis:
There are various causes that can trigger pancreatitis depending on the body’s condition. Common causes that lead to pancreatitis
- Infections
- Consumption of Alcohol
- Certain medicines
- Gallstones
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Injury to the abdomen
- Obesity
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a treatment for gallbladder. Particularly in older people, this can lead to acute pancreatitis. This happens in rare cases. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the lining of the digestive system. People with this disease are at fourfold higher risk than normal people of getting affected with acute pancreatitis. Among women, the risk is higher. People with celiac are also more likely to get affected by pancreatitis.
Risk factors for pancreatitis differ from person to person. Our lifestyle can have a great impact on pancreatitis.
Alcoholism:
Studies show that people who are heavy drinkers are at greater risk of getting affected with pancreatitis.
Smoking:
Smokers are at double the risk of pancreatitis. But in great news! If you quit smoking you can reduce the chance of the disease.
Obesity:
Being overweight can be a reason for various diseases. Similarly, obesity can also risk the chances of pancreatitis.
Family History:
In a few cases, pancreatitis can be passed on through genes. They are hereditary and if you come from a family with a history of pancreatitis you can fall at risk.
Almost 20 to 30% of the cases are claimed with unknown causes of pancreatitis.
There are various complications pancreatitis can lead to if not treated. Pseudocyst, kidney failure, pancreatic cancer, breathing problem, diabetes, and malnutrition. If you experience persistent pain reach out to a Pancreas Specialist and after proper examination and diagnosis ensure to receive Inflamed Pancreas Treatment to avoid any serious complications. Leading a healthy lifestyle can always lead to happy health.
