Muskan

· 30 Dec 2021

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What is pancreatitis?

Pancreas is an elongated visceral organ approximately six-inches long and situated behind the stomach in the right side of your abdomen. It is both an endocrine and an exocrine gland. It is a part of digestive system which plays a crucial role in digestion as well as other bodily processes by secreting numerous enzymes and hormones. Swelling of the pancreas is known as pancreatitis. Here we talk in detail about what is pancreatitis?

What is pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a large gland located behind and close to the small intestine. It produces enzymes that aid digestion and regulate body's glucose level. When your pancreas becomes irritated and inflamed, the condition is known as pancreatitis. When digestive enzymes start functioning before your pancreas releases them, your pancreas might be harmed. It isn't a common ailment. There are several reasons, but gallstones and high alcohol consumption are the most common ones. An inflamed pancreas can harm your lungs, kidneys, and heart by producing inflammatory cells and substances. The illness might be a one-time occurrence or a long-term issue that can result in severe harm. The pancreas has two functions:

•    It helps you digest meals by releasing digestive enzymes into your small intestine.
•    Insulin and glucagon are released into the bloodstream. These hormones aid in the regulation blood sugar levels.

Types of Pancreatitis

The two kinds of pancreatitis are acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that lasts only a few days. It could lead to mild health issues to a severe, life-threatening condition. The condition could result in bleeding, tissue damage, infection, and cysts in severe instances. Other crucial organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys, might be harmed by severe pancreatitis. After receiving the proper therapy, many patients completely recover from acute pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation of the pancreas. It frequently happens after an acute pancreatitis episode. Another important aspect is drinking a lot of alcohol for a long time. The long term alcohol consumption causes slow paced subtle damage to your pancreas and lastly manifests into pancreatitis symptoms.

What are the causes of pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is frequently caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption. Rarely, pancreatitis can be caused by:

•    Prescription drugs (many can irritate the pancreas).
•    Higher triglyceride levels in the blood
•    Infections
•    Injury to the abdomen
•    Diabetes and other metabolic illnesses
•    Cystic fibrosis

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of pancreatitis vary depending on the type of pancreatitis you have.
Acute pancreatitis has the following signs and symptoms:

•    Pain in the upper abdomen
•    Back discomfort that begins in the abdomen
•    Tenderness in the abdomen when touched
•    Fever
•    Increased heartbeat
•    Nausea
•    Vomiting

The following are indications and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:

•    Pain in the upper abdomen
•    Abdominal pain that grows worse after eating
•    Weight loss without effort
•    Stools that are oily and stinky (steatorrhea)

Pancreatitis can be treated with a healthy, balanced lifestyle and, if necessary, medical therapy. If you want to lower your risk of pancreatitis and help you recover, it's vital to quit both smoking and alcohol. If any of your symptoms persist, a medical consultation is must.

Note: The purpose of this article is to create general awareness among the readers. The information provided is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute to medical practitioner's recommendations. In case you find above stated symptoms in you or your known, kindly consult a physician or a specialist regarding diagnosis and treatment.

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