Prevent Acute Pancreatitis

Pain has always been known as a deal breaker in any endeavor. When you experience pain, you are not able to concentrate and get anything done. One of the most painful medical conditions is acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is an ailment that targets your pancreas. This is situated behind your stomach. It manufactures the needed enzymes that help hormone regulation and digestion in your body.

Sugar processing is the main function of the pancreas. If something goes wrong in your pancreas, you will definitely experience pain that lasts for a days. If acute pancreatitis is detected early, fatality can usually be avoided. If you know how to prevent acute pancreatitis, you can ensure your digestive health and overall health as well.

There are two types of pancreatitis"�acute and chronic. Listed below are their symptoms:

Acute pancreatitis

• Vomiting
• Tender feel on the abdomen when touched
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Pain in the abdomen radiates to the back
• Pain in the abdomen is aggravated after you eat
• Nausea

Chronic Pancreatitis

• Indigestion
• Weight loss
• Steatorrhea (smelly, oily stool)
• Pain in the upper abdomen

See your doctor if you have abdominal pain that is not going away, if you cannot sit in one position, or if you have to shift positions to make you comfortable while sitting.

The following are the common causes of acute pancreatitis:

1. 1
   Abdominal surgery

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Gallstones (stones in the gall bladder)

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Alcoholism

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4. 4
   Medications (certain medications that bring about pancreatitis as a possible side effect)

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5. 5
   Smoking

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
6. 6
   ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
7. 7
   History of pancreatitis in the family

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
8. 8
   Cystic fibrosis (improper transport of sodium and chloride in the epithelial tissues, resulting to thick secretions)

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
9. 9
   Hyperparathyroidism (high levels of parathyroid hormone)

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
10. 10
    Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)

    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
11. 11
    Infections

    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
12. 12
    Hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of triglycerides in the blood)

    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
13. 13
    Pancreatic cancer

    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
14. 14
    Injury sustained in the abdomen

    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

During the onset of acute pancreatitis, the enzymes are activated while they are still inside your pancreas. This damages the organ. Normally, the enzymes remain inactive while they are in the pancreas. They travel through the ducts towards the small intestines. Once the enzymes reach the small intestines, they become activated. Enzyme activation helps in the process of digestion.

When you have acute pancreatitis, the enzymes irritate the pancreatic cells because they are already activated inside the pancreas. This brings forth the various symptoms of pancreatitis including inflammation. If this happens on a prolonged period, your pancreas will eventually have scars, which will impede pancreatic function. When this happens, diabetes and digestive problems will occur.

Below are complications of acute pancreatitis that you would definitely wouldn't want to have:

1. 1
   Respiratory issues

   .

   If you have acute pancreatitis, there are chemical changes that happen in your body. These changes affect your respiratory system. When you don't breathe well, your blood oxygenation levels will fall. This spells trouble for your overall health.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Diabetes

   .

   In acute pancreatitis, your pancreatic cells are damaged. The damages, especially those that the beta cells have, could very well lead to diabetes. If you contract this complication, you will then experience problems with sugar regulation in your blood.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Kidney failure

   .

   Just as acute pancreatitis causes respiratory conditions, it may also bring about kidney failure. When you have failed kidneys, you would have to resort to regular dialysis sessions.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4. 4
   Nutrient deficiency

   .

   Without the enzymes secreted by your pancreas, you won't be able to properly digest your food. As a result, your body won't be able to get the right amounts of nutrients every day.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5. 5
   Infections

   .

   A damaged or malfunctioning pancreas is prone to bacterial infections, which are serious. If this is not detected and treated immediately, the infected pancreatic tissue may be surgically removed.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
6. 6
   Pseudocyst

   .

   During acute pancreatitis, the pockets in your pancreas will be filled with debris and fluids. These pseudocysts will eventually burst, causing infections and internal hemorrhage.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
7. 7
   Cancer of the pancreas

   .

   The prolonged inflammation caused by acute pancreatitis can develop to pancreatic cancer.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Preventing acute pancreatitis is much better than treating it. Here are some of the ways you may be able to prevent this condition:

1. 1
   Exercise regularly

   .

   This improves your overall circulation. When you entire body receives ideal oxygenation, you won't suffer from other ailments that may bring about pancreatitis.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Quit smoking

   .

   Smoking removes oxygen from your blood. This deteriorates your organs much faster.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Quit drinking alcohol

   .

   This habit dehydrates your cells. Dehydration makes the organs malfunction.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4. 4
   Drink lots of water

   .

   Properly hydrated cells prevent medical conditions including pancreatitis.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5. 5
   Eat healthy, antioxidant rich foods

   .

   Antioxidants will help you battle cell deterioration and prevent organ malfunction such as pancreatitis.

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Like any other ailment, acute pancreatitis may-- in many cases-- be prevented. When you try your best to keep it away, you will avoid all those tedious treatments. You won't even have to drown yourself in worry. Remember that a healthy body results to a healthy mind and prolonged lifespan.

• Be aware of what you eat.
• Always seek medical help if you experience any bouts of abdominal pain.
• Take multivitamins that are approved by your doctor.
• Avoid processed foods.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

Comments