Tuesday 16 August 2016

A Guide about Problems Associated With Pancreas

The pancreas is a gland organ and forms a part of the digestive system. Located in the abdomen, it generates important hormones and enzymes that help in the breakdown of food particles. The two main functions of the pancreas are:

  1. It helps in the digestion of food by producing powerful enzymes.
  2. It releases glucagon and insulin hormones into the bloodstream that regulate glucose metabolism

Many problems are associated with the pancreas.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a disease that leads to acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. In case, the main duct from the pancreas is choked by a tumor or gallstone, inflammation can occur. This blockage results in accumulation of pancreatic juices in the organ that may further damage the pancreas. Mumps, alcohol use, drugs, steroids and trauma are some of the other reasons for pancreatitis. There are two type of Pancreatitis – acute and chronic.

In case you are diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, the rarer of the two, you should immediately consult a Pancreas specialist in Delhi. Stomach pain, fever, nausea & vomiting, abdominal tenderness & swelling and muscle aches are some of its common symptoms. Patients are recommended a fluid diet and are restricted from ingesting any solid food. It is first treated with painkillers but in case of secondary infections, the need of surgery becomes imminent.

Chronic pancreatitis can be the result of permanent damage to the organ by acute pancreatitis. Excessive consumption of alcohol can be the prime reason for it. Some of its symptoms are weight loss, diarrhea, persistent pain in the upper abdomen and back, diabetes and mild jaundice.

Pancreatic Cancer 

You might have heard about pancreatic cancer many a times, which is fast affecting the health of many Indians. Smoking or excessive drinking is considered the main cause for this disease. Until it does not reach an advanced stage, the symptoms are hard to appear, which makes it too late for successful treatment. Some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are:

  1. Loss of appetite, vomiting and nausea
  2. Weight loss and weakness
  3. Pain in the upper abdomen
  4. Jaundice 
  5. Alchoholic stool and steatorrhea

Treating pancreatic cancer is a long process. Patients usually receive radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of treatments. Besides, the treatment is quite calming and focuses on reducing pain.  

As soon as you discover that you are suffering from such a disease, the very first thing is to contact your family doctor or general practitioner. They may suggest you the best pancreas specialist. Do not waste time in setting an appointment with the doctor. Let the doctor know your problem in detail, and then only he/she will be able to treat the disease properly.

Checking doctors’ credentials and experience are some of the measures that one can take before seeking treatment. If you feel comfortable and satisfied with your first meeting with the doctor, proceed with him for the treatment. Otherwise, do not hesitate to consider other options.