Chronic pancreatitis is a common diagnosis among men and women over 45 years of age. Pathology is characterized by prolonged inflammation of the pancreas, leading to irreversible changes in the structure of the organ. The disease is accompanied by pain syndrome, and in the absence of timely treatment can lead to serious complications.
Causes of chronic pancreatitis
Several causes of the development of pancreatitis are distinguished. The main one is an incorrect, unbalanced diet. Frequent overeating, fatty, smoked food – all this is a terrible enemy of the pancreas. Bad habits, especially frequent alcohol consumption, have a negative impact.
Another reason for the development of pathology can be the presence of stones in the gallbladder. The fact is that both organs (pancreas and gallbladder) have ducts that merge with each other and fall into the duodenum. When a stone in the gallbladder starts to move – there is a risk of “blocking” the place of connection of the ducts. Bile and pancreatic secretion, being aggressive fluids, can thus enter the pancreas and cause its damage and even lead to its partial or complete necrosis – pancreonecrosis.
As a rule, acute pancreatitis occurs first. In the absence of timely treatment, it smoothly passes into a chronic form.
It is worth noting indirect factors that can affect the development of chronic pancreatitis:
- Associated diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, it may be gastritis, gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer.
- Lipid metabolism disorder associated with overeating and obesity leads to increased enzyme production, which provokes the risk of inflammation.
- Abdominal trauma, congenital malformations of the pancreas.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Presence of autoimmune diseases.
- Toxic effects of medications.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
Recognizing chronic pancreatitis is not difficult, as its symptoms are hard to miss.
In the acute form of pathology, the following signs occur:
- Sharp pain that is localized in the subcostal region, often even painkillers do not help.
- The pain may have a shingles character.
- Nausea and vomiting may be observed.
- Diarrhea or, conversely, constipation.
- Weakness.
- A feeling of dryness in the mouth.
- Increased sweating.
- Increased body temperature.
- Pallor of the skin.
At the first symptoms of acute pancreatitis, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor and conduct the necessary types of diagnostics (laboratory tests of blood, urine, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, if necessary CT or MRI). Remember that timely treatment helps to avoid chronicization of the pathological process.
The chronic form of the disease runs a little differently:
- Painful sensations occur when the disease is exacerbated, usually in case of non-compliance with the diet, when a person ate something fried, fatty or drank alcohol-containing drinks.
- Often there may be heaviness in the abdomen, as well as nausea after overeating.
- Periodically there is diarrhea or constipation, these conditions can alternate.
Treatment of chronic pancreatitis
In most cases, the treatment of chronic pancreatitis is conservative. The main methods of therapy: taking medications (analgesics, antispasmodics, antisecretory drugs, enzymes, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.), as well as compliance with a certain diet.
The essence of the diet is to refuse alcohol, fried food, harmful fats (fast food). It is extremely important to avoid overeating, try to eat small portions of food 4-5 times a day. The main task of such a diet is to exclude excessive load on the inflamed pancreas.
In cases where conservative therapy does not achieve a positive effect – may require surgical intervention. As a rule, this is required for complications arising from chronic pancreatitis.
Today, if surgical intervention is necessary, minimally invasive methods of treatment are used, which imply a faster recovery and a relatively short period of rehabilitation.
Role of regular monitoring in chronic pancreatitis management
Regular monitoring plays a crucial role in managing chronic pancreatitis, as it helps detect complications early and prevent further damage to the pancreas. Periodic blood tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scans), and stool tests can assess pancreatic function and identify potential issues, such as enzyme deficiencies or the development of pseudocysts. Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive condition, and monitoring helps ensure that any changes in the severity of the disease are detected promptly.
Monitoring also helps track the effectiveness of prescribed treatments, including dietary changes and medication. By regularly consulting with a healthcare provider, patients can ensure that their condition is well-managed and prevent the progression of the disease into more severe stages, such as pancreatic insufficiency or diabetes. Early detection of complications allows for timely interventions, improving long-term outcomes and maintaining quality of life.
Conclusion
Chronic pancreatitis is a serious disease that requires an attentive approach to treatment and prevention. Timely diagnosis, compliance with dietary recommendations and avoidance of bad habits play a key role in preventing exacerbations and progression of the disease. Although most cases of the disease can be controlled with conservative treatment methods, some situations may require surgical intervention. It is important to remember that the health of the pancreas directly depends on lifestyle, and regular check-ups with a doctor will help to identify possible problems in time and take the necessary measures.
