Things to Know About Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease, growing slowly over many years. In this condition, the healthy liver tissue is damaged and replaced by scarr tissue, damaging the liver permanently. With time, the condition becomes severe as it can begin blocking the blood flow through the liver. It also prevents the liver from working normally. Cirrhosis is a liver condition that involves irreversible scarring and loss of liver cells. Every time the liver gets damaged, it can repair itself and create hard scar tissue. However, when extreme scar tissue builds up, the liver stops working properly. One must visit a liver specialist if he or she feels any kind of symptoms. Early detection can help people keep the problem in check. Those who are looking forward to consulting the best liver specialist in Delhi can visit Gangaram Hospital.

Symptoms

Cirrhosis often shows no signs and symptoms until the condition gets extensive. However, when signs and symptoms occur, these may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and fatigue
• Weight loss
• Easily bleeding or bruising
• Itchy skin
• Pain in the area of the liver
• Swelling in feet, legs, or ankles
• Spiderlike blood vessels on the skin
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen 
• Jaundice or yellow discolouration in the eyes and skin    

Causes

Cirrhosis always develops due to another liver disease or problem. There are different types of conditions and problems that can damage the liver and cause cirrhosis. Some of the major causes include:

• Chronic hepatitis (hepatitis B, C, and D)
• Poorly formed bile ducts (biliary atresia)a
• A fat build-up in the liver which is a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Chronic alcohol abuse
• Genetic digestive disorder 
• Infection, including syphilis or brucellosis
• Hereditary disorders of sugar metabolism
• Certain medication
• Liver disease caused by the body's immune system 

One can reduce their chances of cirrhosis by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a plant-based healthy diet, avoiding alcohol consumption, and avoiding the risks of hepatitis. Those who are concerned about the risks of liver cirrhosis or feel any discomfort associated with the liver must consult a Liver specialist at Gangaram Hospital in Delhi or any other reputed hospital in another city.

Pancreas: Functions and Disorders

The pancreas is an abdominal organ and is a vital part of the digestive system. Its function is to produce insulin and other important enzymes and hormones that help in breaking down food. It also has an endocrine function as it releases juices that go directly into the bloodstream where it regulates the system’s glucose or sugar levels. Issues with insulin control may lead to diabetes. Other than this, it also has an exocrine function since it releases juices into the ducts. The enzymes or digestive juices are secreted by the pancreas in the small intestine. This is where it continues breaking down food. Let us know more about its functions and the common disorders of the pancreas. 

Disorders

If the above-mentioned functions are not properly carried out by the pancreas, it can lead to various pancreatic disorders, like:

• Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas: This occurs when digestive enzymes begin digesting the pancreas itself. 
• Pancreatic cancer: formation of cancer cells in the pancreas. 
• Cystic fibrosis: This is a genetic disorder in which a thick and sticky mucus blocks tubes in the pancreas. 

Symptoms 

The pancreas plays multiple roles. Thus, there can be various symptoms that an individual may observe in case pancreas is not functioning well. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• fever
• abdominal tenderness
• nausea or vomiting
• weight loss
• bloating
• diarrhoea
• light-coloured stool
• foul-smelling stool

These symptoms could be because of an underlying condition like EPI or pancreatitis. Thus, one should not overlook these symptoms and should consult one of the best pancreas specialists in Delhi or Gurgaon. 

Prevention

By altering a few habits and bringing in some lifestyle changes, one can prevent various disorders related to the pancreas. Some of the ways, in which one can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic diseases are:

• Consuming little or no alcohol 
• Consuming a low-fat diet
• Leading an active lifestyle (exercise regularly and lose excess weight)
• Skipping crash diets
• Quitting smoking

Severe disorders like pancreatitis and pancreas cancer can be treated if diagnosed in the early stages. Thus, it is extremely important to consult a pancreas specialist as soon as the individual starts witnessing symptoms. 

An Overview of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a disease that occurs when digestive enzymes are activated while they are still in the pancreas. This irritates the cells in the pancreas can result in inflammation. The pancreas is located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It produces enzymes that help in digestion and hormones that regulate the way the body processes sugar (glucose). Pancreatitis is generally divided into two types- acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. 

Acute pancreatitis 

Acute pancreatitis refers to a sudden inflammation in the pancreas which lasts for a short period. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis could be:

• Abdominal pain 
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea

Chronic pancreatitis 

Chronic pancreatitis refers to long-lasting inflammation in the pancreas. Some of the major symptoms of chronic pancreatitis may include:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Steatorrhea

Risk Factors

Various factors may increase the risk of developing pancreatitis. Some of the major risk factors include:

Cigarette smoking: On average, smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic pancreatitis as compared to non-smokers. However, giving up smoking may reduce this risk to half. 

Excessive alcohol consumption: According to research, people who consume alcohol regularly are at higher risk of developing pancreatitis.

Obesity: Obese people are more likely to develop pancreatitis. 

Family history: Genetics also play a major role and may be responsible for chronic pancreatitis in individuals. Thus, having a family history of pancreatitis may increase an individual’s chances of developing the condition. 

Treatment of pancreatitis usually depends on the type and severity of the disease. Thus, one should consult only the best pancreas specialist in Delhi NCR to avail proper treatment and medication for the disease. 

We hope that this information will help you get a better idea of the disease, its symptoms and causes.

Things You Should Know About Pancreatic Pseudocyst

The pancreas is an oblong-shaped organ situated on the backside of the abdomen. It sits behind the stomach and is about 6 to 8 inches long. Pancreas extends horizontally along the backside of the abdomen with its head on the right and tail on the left side of the abdomen. It performs the below-mentioned functions:

• Exocrine function
  

The exocrine function of the pancreas involves breaking down of food in the small intestine. The food in the small intestine breaks down when the pancreas releases digestive juices and enzymes into it through a duct connecting the upper part of the small intestine to the head of the pancreas. 

• Endocrine Function
  

The process of regulating the blood sugar levels by releasing insulin and glucagon is called the exocrine function of the pancreas.

Let us understand about pancreatic pseudocyst. 

Pancreatic pseudocyst

When pancreatic ducts carrying digestive juices and enzymes to the small intestine get blocked, the enzymes and juices start leaking. These fluids began to accumulate in a sac on the pancreas and this sac is called pancreatic pseudocyst. Pancreatic pseudocysts are completely different from true pancreatic cysts, even though both of them are filled with fluids. Pancreatic cysts are a closed structure surrounded by the cells that separate them from the nearby tissues. Pancreatic pseudocysts, on the other hand, are not closed and are not lined by the cells that separate them from the nearby tissues.   

Symptoms of the pancreatic pseudocyst

• Abdominal pain radiating to the back
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Blood in vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fall in the appetite
• Drastic weight loss
• Jaundice
• Fever
• Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
• Decreased alertness and awareness
• Fast heartbeat
• Fainting

Causes of pancreatic pseudocyst

• Pancreatitis
• Injury or trauma to the pancreas
• High cholesterol
• Damage to the pancreas caused by medicines
• Autoimmune diseases
• Tumour in the pancreas
• Hereditary condition

People experiencing the above-mentioned symptom should see the best pancreas specialist in Delhi or anywhere else as soon as possible. Pancreatic specialist, after performing a thorough physical examination, prescribes tests like endoscopic ultrasound and blood tests to diagnose the pancreatic pseudocyst.

Things You Need to Know About Upper Endoscopy

 An upper endoscopy, known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy, is a procedure that helps to visually examine the patient’s upper digestive system with the help of a tiny camera attached at the end of a long, flexible tube, known as an endoscope. A gastroenterologist uses this tool to diagnose or treat conditions that affect the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine (duodenum). Let us know more about the procedure: 

Preparation

Usually, people who are undergoing upper endoscopy receive a sedative. This helps them relax and make them more comfortable during the procedure. The patient may be mentally alert, but their memory, reaction time, and judgment may be partially impaired for around 24 hours. It is suggested that the patient should bring along someone who can drive them home after the procedure. 

During the Procedure 

During an upper endoscopy procedure, the patient will be asked to lie down on a table either on their back or on their side. The procedure involves: 

Attaching monitors to the body: This allows the health care team to keep a tab on the patient’s breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Administering medications: Sedatives and medications is injected through the vein in the forearm. 

Spraying an anaesthetic in the mouth: This is used to numb the throat that helps the patient prepare for insertion of the endoscope. The patient may also be asked to wear a plastic mouth guard that will hold his/her mouth open.

Inserting the endoscope: The patient will also be asked to swallow to help the endoscope pass down the throat. The patient may feel some pressure which is normal. 

Symptoms

Some of the common signs and symptoms to watch for after the procedure is over are:

• Fever
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dark coloured stool
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Vomiting

We hope that this information will help in the preparation of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and will make the process quite easy for the patient. Also, it is advised that one should only get such procedures done by the best endoscopist in Delhi NCR to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

A brief overview of the pancreas and when to see a doctor

 The pancreas in the human body is about the 6-inch long organ that is located behind the stomach. It silently works like a machine, meal after meal. Being an organ of the digestive system, it works as an exocrine gland that releases pancreatic juices to break down fats, carbohydrates, and protein to extract nutrients and transform them into fuel for the body.

Pancreas might stop working properly because of certain pancreatic disorders which may include acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, hereditary pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. 

Causes of pancreatitis

Some of the most common cause of pancreatitis are:

• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Gallstones
• Some medications
• Genetic disorders

Symptoms of pancreatitis

• Upper abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain that aggravates after eating
• Abdominal pain that spreads to the back 
• Nausea
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Tenderness when touching the abdomen
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Smelly stools (steatorrhea)
• Sudden weight loss

When to see a doctor

When you witness any of the mentioned symptoms, you need to see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. A gastroenterologist treats diseases and disorders of the esophagus, small intestine, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, colon and rectum, and bile ducts and liver. 

When you consult with the doctor, he/she will advise you to undergo certain tests which are used to diagnose pancreatitis. These include a blood test, stool test, CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, and MRI among others.  

Preparing for your appointment

Now since we know when to consult a doctor, let us understand what are things that we need to keep in mind before visiting the doctor. Because these appointments are often brief and there is a lot to discuss, hence it is a good idea to be well-prepared. 

• Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions 
• List down the symptoms to explain
• Write down the medications that have been taken along with recent life changes 
• Take a family member along as it is difficult to absorb every bit of information  

What to ask the doctor? 

Some basic questions include: 

• What are the possible causes of the symptoms? 
• What kind of tests are required? 
• Is the condition temporary or chronic?
• What would be the best cause of action?
• Are there any restrictions to follow?
• What will be the treatment cost? 
• Will it be covered in health insurance?

Keeping these questions is important when consulting with the doctor. Also, it is important that individuals approach the best pancreas specialist in Delhi or whichever city they live in to be able to receive effective treatment.

Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment

 The pancreas is an important organ located in the abdomen area. It plays a vital role in converting the food into energy for the body cells. The pancreas has two major functions: the exocrine function which helps in digestion and an endocrine function that helps in the regulation of blood sugar. Both cancerous and noncancerous tumours can develop in the pancreas. Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in its early stage can help a lot in the treatment. Let us know more about this condition: 

Symptoms

Some common symptoms linked with pancreatic cancer can be:

• Fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Abdominal pain radiating to the back
• Yellowing of skin and the whites of eyes (jaundice)
• Loss of appetite 
• Dark-coloured urine
• Light-coloured stools
• Blood clots
• Itchy skin

Risk factors

Factors that may increase an individual’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer may include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Old age
• Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Family history of genetic syndromes can increase the risk of cancer 
• Family history of pancreatic cancer

Treatment 

Following are the treatment options available for pancreatic cancer:

Surgery

There are majorly four types of surgeries that can be performed to treat pancreatic cancer, namely: 

• Surgery for tumours in the pancreatic head 
• Surgery for tumours in the pancreatic body and tail
• Surgery for tumours affecting nearby blood vessels
• Surgery to remove the entire pancreas (pancreatectomy)

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that is used to kill cancer cells with certain types of drugs. These drugs can either be injected or taken orally. The patient may receive one chemotherapy drug or a combination of them depending on their condition. Chemotherapy is also often combined with radiation therapy (chemoradiation). It is typically used to treat cancer that has not spread other organs. 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. An individual may receive radiation treatments before or after cancer surgery. These are often combined with chemotherapy when the condition cannot be treated surgically.

Proper treatment can improve the quality of life by managing symptoms and complications related to pancreatic cancer. Thus, it is important to only go for the best pancreas specialist in Delhi to get the right treatment.