Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis simply means inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large organ behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes. The pancreas does two main functions;
- It releases powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid digestion of food.
- It releases the hormones insulin and glycogen into the blood stream.
These hormones help the body control how it uses food for energy. Pancreas damage happens when the digestive enzymes are activated before they are release into the small intestine and begin attacking the pancreas.
Types of pancreatitis
There are two main types of pancreatitis namely;
- Acute pancreatitis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Acute pancreatitis: Is a sudden inflammation that lasts for a short time. It may range from mild discomfort to a severe, life – threatening illness. Most people with acute pancreatitis recover completely after getting right treatment. In severe cases, acute pancreatitis can result in bleeding into the gland, serious tissue damage, infection and cyst formation. Severe pancreatitis can also harm other vital organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis
- Upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back, it may be aggravated by eating, especially foods high in fat
- Swollen and tender abdomen.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever
- Increased heart rate and dehydrated..
- Shock
- Sweating
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the white of the eyes).
- Chronic pancreatitis: Is long – lasting inflammation of the pancreas. It most often happens after an episode of acute pancreatitis. Heavy alcohol drinking is another big cause. Damage to the pancreas from heavy alcohol use may not cause symptoms for many years, but then the person may suddenly develop severe pancreatitis symptoms.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis are similar to those of acute pancreatitis. Patients frequently feel constant pain the upper abdomen that radiate to the back. In some patient, the pain may be disabling. Other symptoms are:
- Weight loss: Caused by poor absorption (mala absorption) of food. This mala absorption because the gland is not releasing enough enzymes to break down food.
- Also diabetes may develop if the insulin producing cells of the pancreas are damaged.
- Fatty stool
- Diarrhea
- It can also lead to pancreatitis cancer.
Nutritional management of pancreatitis
- Avoid alcohol: Patients who suffered from pancreatitis should strictly avoid the consumption of alcohol. Research has shown that dehydration as a result of alcohol consumption causes the pancreas to flare.
- Stop smoking: Pancreatitis patients should quit smoking if they smoke while those who do not smoke should ensure never to indulge in smoking of any kind.
- Patients should stick to a low-fat diet: Patients should stick to a diet that limits fat and emphasizes more on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. The amount of fat that a patient should eat varies depending on the weight and height, but for an average person, it is felt that patients should not consume more than 20 grams of fat a day.
- Drink more fluids. Pancreatitis can cause dehydration, so patients should drink more fluids throughout the day.
