All You Need to Know about Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is swelling or inflammation of the pancreas. Located behind the stomach, near the small intestine, the pancreas is a flat and long gland. The pancreas makes enzymes that aid in digestion and hormones that regulating the way the body processes sugar (glucose). The issue of pancreatitis occurs when the enzymes harm the pancreas causing swelling. It can come and go fast or sometimes, it turns out to be a chronic problem. Treatment will be depending on whether a person has acute or chronic pancreatitis.

Individuals who are suffering from chronic or acute pancreatitis feel upper abdominal pain. However, those with chronic pancreatitis may show swelling on diagnostic scans but otherwise may feel no signs and symptoms. Here are some other symptoms of pancreatitis:

• Indigestion
• Fever
• Hiccups
• Abdominal tenderness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unintentional weight loss
• Bloating with a swollen abdomen
• Pain around the upper body and the back     

People suffering from chronic pancreatitis conditions may also have steatorrhea, which is a sign of malabsorption. It means that a person is not having all essential nutrients as their pancreas does not produce sufficient digestive enzymes to break down the food.

Types of pancreatitis

There are two major forms of pancreatitis that include the followings:

Chronic – This type of pancreatitis lasts a longer time, often for a few years.

Acute – It only lasts for a few days.

However, both types of conditions are severe and can cause health complications. Pancreatitis can also damage the pancreas permanently. But with proper treatment and medications, one can control the pain and live a normal life.

Causes 

There are several factors that can cause pancreatitis. Some of the most common causes include:

• Heavy alcohol use
• Certain medicines
• Genetic disorders of the pancreas
• Gallstones (digestive fluids that grow firm and create stones in the gallbladder)

Pancreatitis can be a serious health issue and, if people ignore the right treatment, it may cause EPI. People who have risks of growing such issues or have related signs must contact a good pancreas specialist in Delhi and make correct lifestyle changes to maintain the good health of their pancreas.

A Refresher on Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreas is one of the most vital internal organs of the human body. It is found within the abdominal cavity that is there behind the stomach. Pancreas is also considered to be a vital endocrine gland and is responsible for producing several key hormones like polypeptide, somatostatin, glucagon, and insulin.  By releasing strong digestive enzymes into the small intestine, the pancreas helps in digestion process. It also facilitates the infusion of hormones like glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer usually develops when the cells in the pancreas start to multiply out of control, and ultimately form a mass or lump. These cancerous cells can, at times, even invade other parts of the human body. Pancreatic cancer can be of several types, pancreatic adenocarcinoma being one of its most common variants. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is, in fact, known to account for 85% of the cases of this medical condition. At even the slightest indication of this medical condition, people should try to consult any well-known and experienced pancreas specialist in Delhi or some other urban center of the country, as this condition can worsen very quickly if not treated right at the onset. Here are few of the symptoms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma:

· Pain in upper abdomen

· Jaundice

· Loss of appetite

· Weight loss

Adenocarcinomas usually develop within the distinct part of the pancreas that makes a host of digestive enzymes. Doctors usually recommend the following tests for the patients suspected with adenocarcinoma:

• Ultrasonography of the abdomen
• CT scan

Its diagnosis is usually confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration. Surgical resection is regarded to be one of the most prominent treatment options for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, it is seen that 20% of tumors are usually resectable. Therefore, for other cases, treatment options like palliation with stent placement in common bile duct and duodenum for relief of jaundice and chemotherapy is used.

While underlining any certain factor as the cause of pancreatic cancer can be quite difficult, as per renowned pancreas specialist in Delhi and other urban hubs, the habit of smoking usually increases the risks of developing this medical condition to a great extent. Here are few of the other factors that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer:

· Chronic inflammation of the pancreas

· Diabetes

· Obesity

· Tobacco chewing

· Family history of genetic conditions, such as :

a) Familial atypical mole-malignant melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome

b) Lynch syndrome

c) a BRCA2 gene mutation

People can check out the websites of renowned medical centers of this country to get a better idea of this ailment.

An Overview on the Key Functions of the Pancreas

Located in the abdomen, the Pancreas is basically a large flattened gland lying just next to the small intestine. It is known to be one of the major components of the digestive system, and has a key role in controlling the blood sugar level in the human body. The Pancreas may also help in converting the food consumed by the body into essential fuel required by the cells.

Here are two of the prime functions of the pancreas:

· Exocrine Function: The Pancreas includes exocrine glands whose main function is to produce enzymes that are imperative to the process of digestion. These enzymes essentially contain lipase that is important for breaking down fats, chymotrypsin and trypsin for the digestion of proteins, as well as amylase that helps in carbohydrate digestion. These pancreatic juices are thereafter released into a system of ducts as the food enters the stomach. The pancreatic duct subsequently joins the common bile duct, thereby forming the ampulla of Vater. This ampulla is present in the duodenum, and the pancreatic juices released into it typically assist the body to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

· Endocrine Function: The endocrine components of the pancreas basically comprises of the islet cells. These cells release crucial hormones like glucagon and insulin to the bloodstream directly. These hormones play a crucial role in balancing the blood sugar levels in the body. It is imperative to maintain the proper blood sugar level in the body in order to ensure the smooth functioning of various organs, including brain, liver and kidneys.

It is vital that people contact the best pancreas specialist in Delhi in case of any problems relating to it as it is an incredibly crucial gland of the body. One of the most common diseases relating to this gland is Pancreatitis. In case of this ailment the pancreas essentially becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis typically develops when the important digestive enzymes in the body get activated before being released into the small intestine. These enzymes subsequently start attacking the pancreas.

Pancreatitis can be of two types, acute and chronic pancreatitis. Some of their symptoms are:

üAcute Pancreatitis

· Tender and swollen abdomen

· Fever

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· Rapid pulse

· High abdominal pain

üChronic pancreatitis symptoms:

· Oily and smelly stools

· Heavy weight loss

· Upper abdominal pain

At the slightest indication of any Pancreas related ailment, such as Pancreatitis, one can contact any of the best pancreas specialists in Delhi. The national capital of the country is renowned for housing many prominent hospital and medical centers with expert endocrinologists as well as gastroenterologists who can effectively treat this condition.

Know more about acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease caused by the substances like Alcohol, Gallstones, and infections. It is a painful disease that can be developed quickly and become fatal. With the advancement in the medical field, people who are affected with acute pancreatitis can be treated earlier before it gets worse.

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What is Acute Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is sudden onset of severe inflammation in pancreas manifesting as pain in abdomen, abdomen distension, vomiting and constipation.

Causes of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis can be suddenly caused if there is chronic pancreatitis recurring or persistent. There are some cases of pancreatitis which are mild and can go away on their own without treatment. But if it is left untreated they can lead to fatal complications, including death.

Alcohol misuse

If the person has been consuming alcohol then it can hit trypsin and make one more prone to be affected by acute pancreatitis. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme produced in the pancreas in an inactive form but alcohol makes it active.  Study and researchers believe that ethanol molecules affect the pancreas cells, triggering them to activate trypsin prematurely.

Gallstones

Normally if the person is affected with acute pancreatitis linked to gallstones, it is advised by the doctors to an elective removal of the gallbladder. Gallstones are small, pebble-like formations that develop in the gallbladder, often if there is too much cholesterol in the bile. These gallstones sometimes get stuck and cause a blockage of the bile ducts and into the intestines. It will also affect the pancreas and prevent it from releasing its enzymes in the intestines.

Infections

Bacterial infections can also be a factor that can lead to acute pancreatitis include Salmonellosis, Legionnaires' disease, and viruses, such as hepatitis B, mumps, coxsackievirus, cytomegalovirus, and varicella-zoster virus.

Symptoms

• Decreased urinary output
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Respiratory distress
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid pulse
• Pain with coughing, vigorous movements, and deep breathing
• tenderness when the abdomen is touched

Treatment to cure acute pancreatitis will depend on the severity of the disease. No matter it is mild or severe, it can find out only through the specialized doctor for the pancreas. If you find any of these symptoms visit the best pancreas specialist in Delhi and get it diagnosed as earlier to avoid future loss.

When should you consult a Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists mention that the sedentary lifestyles that most working professionals are forced to lead nowadays are the primary cause behind the increasing number of patients suffering from various gastrointestinal problems. The symptoms of gastrointestinal problems are usually recurrent like stomach ache, irregular bowel movements and in extreme cases debilitating abdominal pain. Nevertheless, in the case of any kind of gastrointestinal problem, it is essential that you consult a pancreas specialist or a GI specialist at the earliest. Some of the symptoms for consulting a GI specialist have been discussed below.

Symptoms that make consulting a Pancreas Specialist Indispensable

According to leading Pancreas specialists in Delhi, in order to diagnose the exact cause of a stomach or abdominal pain, it is essential to make an appointment with a renowned gastroenterologist at the earliest. If any ailment is identified in its initial stage then treatment becomes easier and the patient can recover quickly. Some of the symptoms of gastro intestinal disorders are as follows:

· Abdominal pain: If you have been suffering from recurrent abdominal pain, then it is essential that you get yourself evaluated by a gastroenterologist at the earliest. Abdominal pain maybe caused by peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, liver damage or gall stones. To evaluate the exact cause you need to consult a gastroenterologist.

· Jaundice: If you have been diagnosed with jaundice, then it is essential that you get yourself evaluated by a gastroenterologist, even after you make full recovery. The GI expert will ensure that your liver has not sustained any permanent damage because of the disease.   

Thus, any kind of abdominal pain or stomach ache should not be overlooked. If you have been suffering from stomach problems, then it is essential you make an appointment with a renowned gastroenterologist, so that the ailment is diagnosed quickly and before the disease escalates. 

4 Major Pancreatic Diseases and Their symptoms

The human body can work effectively only if all its body organs are working in sync and are in a healthy condition. This is why it is very important to be healthy and opt for a periodic annual checkup.

Due to the high level of environmental pollution in the country’s capital and adulteration in food, the human body is becoming more prone to diseases. Besides the Heart, Liver and Kidneys, Pancreas is another glandular organ, which is getting affected due to this pollution.

The function of Pancreas in the body 

This organ performs both endocrine and exocrine functions and is responsible for secreting hormones and enzyme respectively. Two of the most important body hormones, insulin and glucagon are secreted by it. Insulin is responsible for lowering the sugar level in blood and Glucagon acts to raise the sugar level when needed.

These two hormones are very essential for the proper functioning of the Brain, liver and kidney. As for the enzymes, the pancreatic juices are transported to the Duodenum via the pancreatic duct, which ends up in the common bile duct.

   1. Acute Pancreatitis 

Acute Pancreatitis is the sudden onset of pain in the upper abdomen, which is due to the inflammation of the pancreases. Gallstones are the one of the main reasons of this inflammation. Besides Gall Bladder Stones alcohol intake, increased lipids in blood, Hypercalcemia, Drugs, Hypertriglyceridemia, Worms in pancreatic duct etc., are the other common causes of this inflammation. It is important to treat this on time to avoid any severe situation. One should get the best pancreas specialist in Delhi for the treatment of the same.

   2. Chronic Pancreatitis 

Chronic Pancreatitis is the prolonged degradation of the pancreas. The symptoms are somewhat similar to acute pancreatitis. The most common symptoms are acute pain in the upper abdomen followed by diarrhea. Heavy alcohol consumption is one of the primary causes of the diseases.
The chronic stage leads to malnutrition and weight loss. The destruction of pancreas leads to diabetes mellitus in the patient, which is commonly known as blood sugar. The patient needs to take in insulin to regulate the blood sugar levels.

   3. Pancreatic Tumors 

There are two types of pancreatic tumors, benign and malignant. These are classified into three categories adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and cystic neoplasm. The most common cause of these is cigarette smoking, tobacco chewing and chronic pancreatitis.  The symptoms include Jaundice, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. To keep such diseases at bay it is imperative that one avoids the intake of excessive alcohol and keep a track of his health by consulting a good Pancreas specialist in Delhi.

   4. Pancreatic Pseudocysts 

Pseudocysts are the formation of watery cysts around the pancreas. There are common in chronic pancreatitis than in Acute Pancreatitis. The common symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, Jaundice, and fever in advanced stages. These cysts are generally benign in nature and inflammatory. Different types of cysts contain different types of fluids. The Asymptomatic cysts are treatable in nature. Many of these cysts gradually decrease in size and do not require any special treatment.

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.  

When to Consult a Pancreas Specialist ?

The pancreas is an abdominal organ that plays an important role in digestion. Its main function is to convert the food we eat into fuel for the body’s cells. It produces many types of enzymes that break down the major food groups and turn them into fuel. It also helps in regulating blood sugar in the body.

Pancreatic diseases require specialist treatment. A pancreas specialist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the pancreas. Pancreas specialists have expertise in pancreatic diseases including Acute Pancreatitis, Chronic Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatic Pseudocyst. If you reside in the Delhi NCR region, you have access to some of the top pancreas specialists in the country, and you can conveniently consult a pancreas specialist in Delhi to treat these pancreatic conditions.

 1. Acute Pancreatitis 

Acute Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that is characterized by gradual or sudden pain in the upper abdomen. Some of the most common causes of Acute Pancreatitis include gallbladder stones, excessive alcohol consumption, high triglyceride levels in the blood and high calcium levels in the blood. It can also be caused by cystic fibrosis, a condition that affects your lungs, liver and pancreas, and viral infections such as mumps. Some of the common symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis include nausea, swollen abdomen and fever.

 2. Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that gets worse with time. Unlike Acute Pancreatitis, Chronic Pancreatitis is a long term condition that causes permanent damage to the pancreas. This condition impairs an individual’s ability to digest food. Long-term alcohol abuse is the most common cause of Chronic Pancreatitis. Some of the other causes include genetic mutations, familial pancreatitis and blocked pancreatic duct. It can also be caused by auto immune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own body.

 3. Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer starts in the tissues of pancreas. In most cases, it is not diagnosed in the initial stages. This is one of the main reasons why it causes many deaths across the world. Also, it advances rapidly. Some of the common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include weight loss, jaundice, dark urine, itching, nausea, abdominal pain and back pain.

 4. Pancreatic Pseudocyst

A Pancreatic Pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the abdomen.  It is mainly caused by sudden pancreatitis or sudden swelling of the pancreas. Some of the common symptoms of Pancreatic Pseudocyst include pain in the abdomen, difficulty in eating and poor digestion.

In any of the above conditions, it is important to consult the best pancreas specialist in Delhi to get timely diagnosis and treatment, as that can certainly improve the chances of overcoming these conditions.