Pancreatitis: what is it? Easily explained

"Pancreatitis" is the medical term for inflammation of the pancreas - but what is that exactly? In our practical tip you will learn everything about the possible causes, symptoms and also about the treatment of the dangerous illness.

Inflammation of the pancreas: this is pancreatitis

The pancreas is part of the human digestive system and is located behind the stomach. It produces digestive juices and enzymes that are very important for digestion. The inflammation of this glandular organ is divided into two different forms:

• With acute pancreatitis, the pancreas begins to digest itself.
• Chronic pancreatitis describes a long-lasting inflammatory reaction of the organ.

Acute pancreatitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition that can even result in death if not diagnosed and treated in time. With appropriate therapy, however, the chances of success are given: people can even suffer from acute pancreatitis several times. However, secondary diseases such as type I diabetes can not be excluded.

• Acute pancreatitis is often a result of gallstones. These get stuck at the entrance to the pancreas and accumulate the digestive juices there. Alcohol poisoning can also be a cause of acute pancreatitis.
• Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and lack of bowel movements. Typical for acute pancreatitis is an upper abdominal pain that radiates like a belt in the back.
• The disease can be diagnosed using an ultrasound. This also allows the doctor to assess how advanced the disease is and what therapy is required.
• Above all, a lot of fluid is supplied to the patient for treatment in order to prevent shock. The enzymes that the pancreas produces can also be administered.
• Depending on the stage of the disease, cysts may form or other changes in the pancreas may occur. These have to be removed endoscopically or surgically.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a persistent disease that primarily affects men. Statistically, only one woman gets sick in 10 patients. Patients have to expect ongoing therapy because chronic pancreatitis is not curable - only the symptoms can be alleviated.

• Chronic pancreatitis is very often caused by alcohol abuse. Other Urasachen are the permanent use of certain medications such as beta-blockers, but in about 30% of cases, no clear cause for the disease can be determined.
• The disease is often manifested by pain, which mainly occurs in the upper abdomen. However, the sensation of pain is often not as strong as in acute pancreatitis. In addition, there is usually nausea, vomiting, weight loss and a sudden intolerance to various foods.
• Chronic pancreatitis can be clearly diagnosed using ultrasound or CT. The disease is also detectable in the blood and stool.
• Pain relievers can be administered to relieve pain in the upper abdomen. In addition, the patient is treated with acid-resistant pancreatic enzymes.
• The patient must follow a diet to relieve pancreatitis: low fat and high protein.
• Patients often develop diabetes as a result of pancreatitis. If an alcohol addiction is found to be the cause of the disease, patients should be abstained immediately. Nicotine consumption should also be abandoned.