Pancreatitis
The pancreas help in synthesizing food with the help of digestive enzymes. Vital hormones such as insulin and glucagon are released by the pancreas into the bloodstream. When the pancreas are inflammed, a condition of pancreatis sets in. In a case of pancreatitis, the digestive enzymes end up attacking the pancreas itself. Milder cases of pancreatitis can be treated with dietary and lifestyle changes. Patients with pancreatitis notice dropping body weight inspite of normal appetite and eating habits. This is due to malabsorption as there are insufficient pancreatic enzymes to break down food. At this stage, it can also lead to diabetes since the insulin-producing cells are also damaged.
Acute Pancreatitis is a severe form of the disease that can lead to many a complication. This condition is usually the result of gallstones or too much alcohol. The pancreas help in synthesizing food with the help of digestive enzymes. The symptoms of acute pancreatis are nausea and vomiting, accompanied by a swollen abdomen that it tender to touch. The pain may also be noticed in the back and other areas. Sometimes it may lead to dehydration. Acute pancreatis is a life-threatening condition if ignored and untreated. It can trigger off breathing complications. It may lead to a kidney failure. Chronic pancreatitis also manifests in symptoms such as bloating and oily malodorous stools. Cases of chronic pancreatitis are usually attributed to excessive alcohol consumption. Other factors that can trigger acute pancreatitis are elevated levels of trigylcerides, bacterial or viral infections such as hepatitis or mumps and pancreatic cancer. Any structural abnormality of the pancreas or common bile duct can lead to pancreatitis.
A case of acute pancreatitis may need to be monitored and treated in a hospital. Surgical removal of pancreatic psudocysts may be necessary. Blood tests will reveal unusually high levels of amylase and lipase in patients suffering from acute pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasound can reveal presence of gallstones and inflammation of the pancreas. Other diagnostic procedures to detect chronic pancreatitis are ERCP - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and CAT scan.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreas lies deep within the abdomen and secrete enzymes that are vital to digestion. Hormones secreted by the pancreas aid in maintaining sugar levels in the body. Pancreatic cancer is a condition where there is a malignant tumor, mostly found in the exocrine portion of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is not easily detectable in the early stages. Besides, it spreads rapidly and can metastasize to other organs such as bile duct, duodenum (small intestine), spleen, colon, adrenal gland, kidney, or vertebra.
Typical symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and weight loss. The patient is likely to suffer from back pain and complain of tiredness and fatigue. Pancreatic cancer may result in blood clots and liver dysfunction. The abdominal pain associated with pancreatic cancer is likely to radiate to the upper and middle back. There may be yellowing of the skin since most persons suffering from cancer of the pancreas tend to develop jaundice. In advanced stages of pancreatic cancer, there is considerable accummulation of bile acids in the skin leading to severe itching.
Some peope have a heriditary genetic predisposition to cancer while there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer.
High fat diet consisting largely of animal fat and lesser vegetables and fruits
Smoking
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Blood test for serum bilirubin will show high bile pigment. Abdominal ultrasound and abdominal MRI aids in diagnosing the extent of tumor in the pancreas. ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancretography) is a procedure that allows a physician to observe the common bile duct and pancreatic ducts. A pancreatic biopsy can help understand the kind of tumor in the pancreas. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) involves surgical removal of the pancreatic tumor. This surgical procedure is conducted on patients whose tumors are located in the head of the pancreas or regions adjacent to it. Surgery may involve remove a section or the entire pancreas. A combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is given to those patients whose tumor is not removed.
Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia is a condition where a person has low blood glucose. The level of glucose in the blood drops below 2.5mmol/l. Insulin produced in the pancreas helps in aborption of glucose from the blood. When the levels of insulin in the blood is high, it can result in extremely low levels of blood sugar or a condition of Hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia can result on account of excessive consumption of refined sugar and carbohydrates, soft drinks or caffeine. Hypoglycaemia is sometimes noticed in persons on medications such as quinine, salicylates for rheumatic disease and propranolol for hypertension. Other causes include:
Missing or skipping meals
Strenuous exercise
Excessive alcohol consumptions
Tumor in the pancreas
Weakened pituatary gland
Reduced liver function
Overdose of insulin or diabetic tablets
A person suffering from hypoglycaemia will notice symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, agitation and trembling. There is difficulty in concentration and sometimes temporary loss of consciousness. Hypoglycaemia can cause double vision, temporary paralysis and seizures and abnormal behavior. The person suffering from hypoglycaemia feels hungry and starts sweating profusely. Ignoring this condition can lead to hypoglycaemic coma. It is essential to avoid repeated attacks of hypoglycaemia since it can lead to fatal brain damage. An attack of hypoglycaemia during driving or swimming can be disastrous. Night time hypoglycaemia is characterized by sweating at night and headache on waking up.
Hypoglycaemia is diagnosed by measuring the blood glucose levels. If there is any tumor in the pancreas, it is usually removed. Treatment for weakened pituatary and adrenal glands include suitable medication. To handle reactive hypoglycaemia, it is essential to eat smaller meals spread out during the day. This can prevent large fluctuations in insulin secretion levels. Try and include complex carbohydrates in the diet. Never overload your body with very heavy large meals. Spacing out the meals allows better digestion and absorption. Smaller meals also helps keep weight in check and keeps acidity at bay. Snack on high-fiber food as it slows down the rise in blood sugar levels. Include fresh vegetables, fruits and wholegrain cereal foods. Make lean proteins and reduced fat a part of your diet. Drink plenty of water.
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