Definition of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is referred to inflammation in the pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that sits tucked behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digestion and hormones that help regulate the way your body processes sugar (glucose).
Pancreatitis can occur as acute pancreatitis – meaning it appears suddenly and lasts for days. Or pancreatitis can occur as chronic pancreatitis, which is pancreatitis that occurs over many years.
Causes of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes become activated while still in the pancreas, irritating the cells of your pancreas and causing inflammation.With repeated cases of acute pancreatitis, damage to the pancreas can occur and lead to chronic pancreatitis. Scar tissue may form in the pancreas, causing loss of function. A poorly functioning pancreas can cause digestion problems and diabetes.
Conditions that can lead to pancreatitis include:
- Alcoholism
- Gallstones
- Abdominal surgery
- Certain medications
- Cigarette smoking
- Cystic fibrosis
- Family history of pancreatitis
- High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)
- High triglyceride levels in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia)
- Infection
- Injury to the abdomen
- Pancreatic cancer
Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis
Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis may vary, depending on which type you experience.
Acute pancreatitis signs and symptoms include:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Abdominal pain that radiates to your back
- Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating
- Fever
- Rapid pulse
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tenderness when touching the abdomen
Chronic pancreatitis signs and symptoms include:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Losing weight
- Oily, smelly stools (steatorrhea)
Dietary management of pancreatitis
The primary goals of nutritional management for chronic pancreatitis are:
- Prevent malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies
- Maintain normal blood sugar levels (avoid both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia)
- Prevent or optimally manage diabetes, kidney problems, and other conditions associated with chronic pancreatitis
- Avoid causing an acute episode of pancreatitis
To best achieve those goals, it is important for pancreatitis patients to eat high protein, nutrient-dense diets that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, and other lean protein sources. Abstinence from alcohol and greasy or fried foods is important in helping to prevent malnutrition and pain.
Vitamins and minerals supplementation
In general, multivitamins, calcium, iron, folate, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 may be supplemented.
Enzyme supplementation
The healthy pancreas is stimulated to release pancreatic enzymes when undigested food reaches the small intestine. These enzymes join with bile and begin breaking down food in the small intestine. Taking enzymes can help in food digestion, thus improving any signs or symptoms of steatorrhea (excess fat in the stool, or fat malabsorption).
Abstaining from alcohol
If pancreatitis was caused by alcohol use, individual should abstain from alcohol.
Smoking
People with pancreatitis should avoid smoking, as it increases the risk for pancreatic cancer.
