Prime Functions of the Pancreas

The Pancreas is a large flattened gland that is located in the abdomen, just next to the small intestine. It is one of the most crucial components of the digestive system, and plays a prime role in controlling the blood sugar levels in the body. It also assists in converting the consumed food into the essential fuel required by the body cells.

Two of the prime functions of pancreas:

· Exocrine Function: The Pancreas feature exocrine glands that produce enzymes that are crucial in the digestion process. These enzymes contain lipase for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and also chymotrypsin and trypsin for the digestion of proteins. These pancreatic juices are subsequently released into a system of ducts when food enters the stomach. The pancreatic duct then joins the common bile duct, forming the ampulla of Vater.  This ampulla is located in the duodenum, and the pancreatic juices released into it help the body to digest fats, carbohydrate and proteins.

· Endocrine Function: The endocrine elements of the pancreas include the islet cells that release crucial hormones like glucagon and insulin directly into the bloodstream. These hormones assist in balancing the blood sugar levels in the body, which is vital in the proper functioning of various organs, including kidneys, liver and brain.  

Being an extremely crucial gland of the body, you should ideally contact the best pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital and other such renowned healthcare facilities of the country in case you face any problems relating to it. One of the most common ailments related to this gland is Pancreatitis, in which essentially the pancreas becomes inflamed. This ailment essentially develops when the vital digestive enzymes get activated before being released into the small intestines, and they subsequently start attacking the pancreas.

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

Acute pancreatitis symptoms:

· High abdominal pain

· Fever

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· tender and swollen abdomen

· Rapid pulse

Chronic pancreatitis symptoms:

· Upper abdominal pain

· Oily and smelly stools

· Severe weight loss

Severe cases of pancreatitis may lead to cyst formation, bleeding into the glad, extensive tissue damage and infection.  Therefore, in case you notice these symptoms in yourself or any of your loved ones, contacting a pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital  and other such renowned healthcare facilities of the country like would surely be a good idea. 

Two Major Functions of the Pancreas

The pancreas is basically a flattened long gland that is located in the abdomen. It is a vital component of the digestive system, and plays a key role in controlling blood sugar levels. Pancreas has a vital part in converting the food that you consume into the essential fuel required by the cells of the body.

Two major functions of the pancreas include:

üExocrine Function: Pancreas carries exocrine glands which produce enzymes vital for the process of digestion. These enzymes include lipase for breaking down fats, amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates, as well as chymotrypsin and trypsin for digesting proteins. These pancreatic juices are released into a system of ducts, as the food enters the stomach. The pancreatic duct subsequently joins the common bile duct in order to form the ampulla of Vater. This ampulla is located at the prime portion of the small intestine that is referred to as the duodenum. Bile and the pancreatic juices released into the duodenum assist the body to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

üEndocrine Function:  Islet cells that release vital hormones directly into the bloodstream are a part of the endocrine elements of the pancreas. Two of the prime pancreatic hormones are glucagon and insulin.  While glucagon assists in raising blood sugar, insulin lowers its level. Orderly maintenance of the blood sugar level is imperative to the functioning of the vital organs, such as kidneys, liver and brain.  

Being such an important part of the body, any ailments with the pancreas should not be taken lightly.  As soon as you get the slightest hint that there is some ailment with the pancreas you must contact the best pancreas specialist in Delhi or in a city where there are good multispecialty hospitals. Some of the major ailments relating to pancreas include acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors, pancreatic pseudocyst, gall bladder stone, gall bladder cancer, common bile duct stone and cholangiocarcinoma, all of which must be treated at the very onset of the slightest symptoms.

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases related to pancreas. It essentially refers to the sudden and severe inflammation of the pancreas, manifesting as constipation, abdomen distension, vomiting and abdominal pain. Patients suffering from a severe case of acute pancreatitis may even suffer from respiratory distress and decreased urinary output. If you suffer from any of these problems then consulting the best pancreas specialists in Delhi or a hospital in the city where you live, would surely be the most viable options. 

Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Diseases

Alcoholic liver disease is a broad term used for a number of liver ailments relating to alcohol overconsumption, including chronic hepatitis with liver cirrhosis or fibrosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver. 

Alcohol is a known toxin for the liver and is one of the major and common causes of advanced liver problems. The risk factors for these diseases include:

üQuantity of alcohol consumption: Researches have proven that men who take 40-80 gms of alcohol and women who take 20-40 gms of alcohol daily are at high risk for a severe liver disease.

üDrinking pattern: Alcohol consumption outside of meal times increases the risk of Alcoholic liver diseases.

üGender: Women are more susceptible to alcohol-related liver diseases in comparison to men, and suffer from high risk even with a comparatively less chronic consumption.

üHepatitis C infection: The presence of the Hepatitis C infection accelerates the process of liver deterioration.

üDiet: Vitamin A and E deficiencies, poor diet, encephalopathy, and anorexia can worsen alcohol related liver problems.

Early symptoms of Alcoholic liver diseases are as follows:

· Abdominal pain

· Loss of appetite

· Fatigue

· Feeling generally unwell

However, the above symptoms can be associated with many ailments and does not point out to Alcoholic liver diseases without a proper diagnosis. Many Hepatologist in Delhi opine that owing to their vague structure, these symptoms are usually not noticed by patients till they reach a much advanced stage.

As the liver becomes severely damaged, many more obvious and grave symptoms develop. They primarily are:

· Yellowing of the whites of the eye and the skin (jaundice)

· Swelling of the abdomen due to a gradual build-up of fluid called ascites

· Swelling in the feet, ankles and legs due to fluid build-up or oedema

· High fever

· Itchy skin

· hair loss

· Discolored red palms

· Clubbed fingers

· Striking weight loss

· Weakness in the muscles

· Unusual sleep patterns, trouble in sleeping and even insomnia

· Memory problems and confusion due to a build-up of toxins in the brain

· Blood vomit

· Black and tarry stools due to internal bleeding

· Increased sensitivity to alcohol and drugs, as the liver is unable to process them.

· Higher tendency to bruise and bleed, such as frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums

In case you are suffering from the above symptoms, then you should surely contact a renowned Hepatologist in Delhi immediately. A well-qualified and experienced Hepatologist would be able to efficiently treat the Alcoholic liver disease and help in restoring your liver back to its good health.

An Overview of the Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Conditions

Gastroenterology is a branch of medical science that deals with the diagnosis, management and treatment of digestive tract ailments.  The medical professionals practicing gastroenterology are called gastroenterologists, and they specialize in treating the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the organs from the mouth to the anus, along alimentary canal.

Any issues with the digestive system can lead to major ailments; as such it is prudent to visit a gastroenterologist at the onset of the slightest symptoms of digestive tract ailments. And, here’s a brief overview of the few symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions, which a person should watch out for and contact a renowned gastroenterologist in case of their occurrence:

· Heartburn: A person complaining of frequent heartburn for more than six months might need to be treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD as such, at the onset of any such symptom it is always good to rush to a gastroenterologist. Heartburn basically implies to a burning sensation that is felt in the throat or chest of a person. In most cases this sensation occurs when the acid from a person’s stomach backs up into their esophagus.

· Inflammatory bowel disease: Also known as IBD, Inflammatory bowel diseases are basically a group of disorders. They include :

üChronic or severe pain in the abdominal area

üRectal bleeding

üHigh fever

üLoss of appetite

üSudden extreme weight loss

üDiarrhea

· Irritable bowel syndrome: In most cases, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS does not lead to any serious diseases. However, the presence of these symptoms can be quite irritable and may cause hindrance in the performance of the daily activities of a person.  Their symptoms are :

üBloating

üDiarrhea

üAbdominal pain

üConstipation

If diagnosed at the right time, Irritable bowel syndrome can be managed with the help of a few definite lifestyle changes.

· Celiac disease:  This is basically an autoimmune disease, which hinders the capacity of one’s body to process gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.  The symptoms of celiac disease include :

üWeight loss

üGas

üStomach pain

üDiarrhea

üDepression or irritability

üRashes and blisters

Celiac disease can be easily diagnosed with the help of a simple blood test.

If a person suffers from the symptoms mentioned above, they should contact the best gastroenterologist Gangaram hospital or some other medical facility, at once. By receiving a proper treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, a person would be able to enjoy a healthy and a happy life. 

Liver Disease: Symptoms and Causes

The liver is an important organ, as it helps in digesting food and eliminating waste products from the body. Anyone can get liver disease; it can be genetic, virus-borne, or due to some lifestyle factors. Alcohol use and obesity can also damage the liver.

It is necessary to treat liver damage, as untreated damage can lead to cirrhosis, which in turn, can result in liver failure. Hence, finding a good liver specialist should be a priority, especially if you or a loved one experience one or all of the following symptoms.

Symptoms of Liver Disease

Symptoms of liver disease are as follows:

· Yellowing of the skin and eyes

· Pain and swelling in the abdomen

· Edema of the legs and ankles

· Dark-colored urine

· Itching of the skin

· Tar-colored, bloody, or pale-colored stool

· Constant and persistent fatigue

· Skin gets bruised easily

· Appetite loss

· Vomiting and/or nausea

If you are in Delhi, you can visit Gangaram hospital if you experience these symptoms. Book your appointment with the best liver specialist in Gangaram Hospital, to make sure your condition is treated immediately.

Causes of Liver Disease

There are many causes of liver disease. Some of the most common causes are highlighted below:

Genetics: If a person inherits an abnormal gene from one or both parents, it can results in toxic substances building up in the liver, leading to liver damage. Some of the liver diseases that are genetic in nature include hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and hyperoxaluria.

Infection: Parasitical or viral infection can cause the liver to inflame. This adversely affects the functioning of the organ. It has been observed that viral infection can enter the body through contaminated water or food, blood, semen, or by coming in close contact with an already infected person. Viruses that cause hepatitis are the most common cause of liver infection.

Autoimmune Disease: Sometimes, the immune system of the body begins attacking different parts of the body for no reason. This is known as autoimmune disease. The liver too can be attacked by the immune system. Some of the most common liver autoimmune diseases are autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Cancer of the liver or bile duct, alcoholism, and fat build up in the liver are some of the other causes of liver disease. Obesity is also considered a risk factor and it can increase your chances of developing a liver disease.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is ranked as the fourth most common cause of mortality because of the poor survival associated with it. However, developed countries have a lower incidence of the cases of pancreatic cancer. 

Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

According to the medical experts, the precise cause of pancreatic cancer is still a topic which is being researched upon. However, reports have found genetics to play a crucial role in this disease. Genetics plays an important part not only in this but also in other types of cancers. Those who have a medical history of this disease are more prone to get diagnosed with this type of cancer. 

Apart from this, there are a number of diseases which are also considered to be the cause of pancreatic cancer:

· Familial adenomatous polyposis

· Familial breast cancer associated with the BRAC2 gene

· Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome)

· Hereditary pancreatitis

· Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome (a form of skin cancer)

The risk of pancreatic cancer is increased in case the person has family members who have been diagnosed with any of the above-mentioned diseases. Also, smoking, improper diet, and chemical exposure are some of the causes which result in pancreatic cancer. 

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

If the person is aware of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, then he/she can stay alert and take proper treatment on time.

Now, let us look at the signs and symptoms of this disease:

· Pain in upper abdomen which might extend to middle or upper region of back

· Weight loss

· Severe itching due to increased formation of bile acids

· Nausea

· Digestive problems

In case, the person notices any of the below mentioned signs and symptoms, he or she can consider visiting the best pancreas specialist in Delhi, Mumbai, or any other city.

Many times, pancreatic cancer causes Jaundice. This happens because a pancreatic tumour obstructs or blocks the flow of bile. And due to this, the bilirubin, which is formed owing to worn out cells, is not able to get eliminated, which in turn leads to jaundice. However, nausea and vomiting become more common during the last stage of this disease. Thus, it is crucial for the person to have the awareness of the signs and symptoms of this fatal disease.