Understanding and Managing Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

2023-10-27 05:39:22

Feeling severe abdominal pain, nausea, and heartburn can indicate acute pancreatitis, which can develop into chronic inflammation for several reasons.

Dr. Nina Zubova, a specialist in proctology and colon surgery, points out that the pancreas is a gland in the digestive system that produces the enzymes necessary to digest food: protease (which splits proteins), lipase (helps digest fats), and amylase (works with carbohydrates). All enzymes secreted by the pancreas reach the intestine. But if the flow of pancreatic secretions is disrupted for some reason, the enzymes already produced remain in the pancreas and begin to “digest” the pancreas itself.

“Doctors usually distinguish three types of pancreatitis – acute, reactive and chronic. Each of them has its own causes and distinct symptoms,” she says.

“Acute pancreatitis” is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Its main symptoms: acute pain in the upper abdomen or left hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, flatulence, and increased body temperature. Yellowing of the whites of the eyes may also be noted.

Chronic pancreatitis can be caused by alcohol abuse and medication.

“Reactive pancreatitis”, occurs once morest the background of diseases of other organs of the digestive system. The main symptoms of reactive pancreatitis include pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and high temperature up to +37…+37.5 ° C.

She adds: “When an acute attack of pancreatitis occurs, a person must call an ambulance immediately. Before the doctors arrive, they can apply ice and a bottle of cold water to the solar plexus area, and also take any anti-spasmodic medication.”

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