Pancreatitis: symptoms and treatment in adults. Chronic pancreatitis symptoms and treatment

Pancreatitis is a dangerous and common disease of the pancreas that can occur in different forms. Symptoms of pancreatitis in adults can be very diverse, but the pathology boils down to atrophy of glandular tissue.

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. This different phases inflammatory process, in which exacerbations may alternate with periods of “calm.” From this point, chronic pancreatitis is a continuation of the acute form.

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Acute pancreatitis

Exist various shapes acute pancreatitis – edematous, purulent, pancreatic necrosis. But they are all united by one thing common symptom. This is a pain called pancreatic colic. It occurs in the left and right hypochondrium areas and is encircling in nature, sometimes it extends behind the sternum and into the region of the heart. Pain - main feature inflammation of the pancreas, as it is caused by its swelling that occurs during development pathological processes. Gradually they become involved and nerve endings, which increases the pain. At the same time, the outflow of gland secretions becomes more difficult. The attack of pain can last a long time. Sometimes it is two hours, but it also happens that it takes several days, and the intensity depends on the severity of the process. Such sensations also occur in the chronic form of the disease. But then the pain becomes constant.

In acute alcoholic pancreatitis pain appears 12–48 hours after drinking alcohol. In the biliary form (also called cholecystopancreatitis because it affects the gallbladder), pain occurs after eating a large meal.

Acute pancreatitis may be accompanied by other symptoms. These signs depend on the form of the disease. The following manifestations can be distinguished:

nausea and repeated vomiting initial period(vomiting does not bring relief - unlike food poisoning);
pale skin, sometimes slight jaundice (with edematous form);
general weakness;
tachycardia;
respiratory failure;
stool abnormalities - it is mushy in nature, residues are visible in it undigested food.

Acute pancreatitis is diagnosed not only by palpation of the abdomen and identification clinical signs, but also with the use instrumental methods– Ultrasound and computed tomography, laboratory research.

Treatment

When the first signs of the disease appear, you should call ambulance because the matter may end fatal. In addition, its main symptoms resemble those of appendicitis, and the pain radiating to left hypochondrium, may be caused by myocardial infarction. Any of these conditions requires immediate attention medical care, yes and accurate diagnosis Only a doctor can diagnose.

Before the ambulance arrives, you should refrain from eating and drinking, as they only contribute to the production of gastric juice and irritation of the gland. The patient needs to take horizontal position and try to relax your abdominal muscles to reduce pain. It is recommended to apply a heating pad to the sore area. cold water, or an ice pack (you just need to wrap it in a towel first). No painkillers should be taken as they only lubricate clinical picture, and it will be more difficult for the doctor to make a diagnosis.

Attacks of acute pancreatitis are treated in a hospital setting, since to prevent stimulation of pancreatic function it is necessary to exclude usual reception food, and it is also necessary to constantly remove the contents of the stomach through a tube. Required bed rest. In addition, the doctor must constantly monitor the patient’s condition in order to notice a deterioration in time.

Treatment will mainly be medication. First you need to relieve the pain. For this purpose they are used various drugs– antispasmodics, analgesics. In severe cases, pain is relieved with epidural anesthesia. But therapy must be comprehensive. At the same time, the patient is prescribed antacids to reduce the acidity of gastric juice. For this purpose, both H2-histamine receptor blockers and anticholinergic drugs (Atropine and Gastrocepin) are used. Cytostatics (Cyclophosphamide) are considered effective. In the phase of acute pancreatitis, prescribed enzyme preparations and antibiotics to prevent possible suppuration.

Surgical intervention is necessary only in cases of extensive pancreatic necrosis and abscess of the gland itself.

Nutrition

For acute pancreatitis best treatment- cold, hunger and peace. But this is a simplified understanding. Eating is excluded only at first. IN further nutrition must be dietary, and its rules depend on the patient’s condition. First, food is given in liquid and semi-liquid form, then - whipped into puree or mashed. When it is possible to move from one phase to another, the doctor decides, taking into account the patient’s condition.

Initially, the diet includes cereal mucous soups, jelly homemade, kefir, liquid porridge (they are made from rice, buckwheat, semolina, oatmeal, but flakes are not suitable for these purposes). You can eat mashed potatoes, grated curd paste. You are allowed to drink rosehip decoction or weak sweet tea. Gradually the diet will expand. It includes a steamed protein omelet, carrot puree and apple jelly, steamed meat cutlets low-fat varieties. An important role in acute pancreatitis is played by maximum chemical and mechanical sparing of the pancreas. Dishes are served neither hot nor cold - they must be warm. Meals should be fractional. The entire daily amount of food is divided into 5–6 times. Moreover, portions should be such as to prevent overeating.

Starting from the 3rd–5th day of illness, doctors prescribe treatment table No. 5 according to M. Pevzner. It comes in two versions. A more strict one was described above (this regime is followed for a week). Then apply more easy option, which is also prescribed for chronic pancreatitis (this type of diet will be discussed below).

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis manifests itself dull ache, which is localized in epigastric region, in the left or right hypochondrium. There are other symptoms:

nausea, vomiting;
alternating diarrhea and constipation;
obstructive jaundice (due to the fact that the bile ducts are compressed by the enlarged head of the pancreas);
weight loss caused by digestive disorders.

With exacerbation, signs of acute pancreatitis appear. Sometimes this disease leads to the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Treatment is usually aimed at eliminating pain. For this purpose they use non-narcotic analgesics and antispasmodics. If there is compression bile ducts and other dysfunctions of the biliary system, then anticholinergic drugs are used.

If there is a significant decrease in body weight, the doctor prescribes parenteral nutrition, in which the patient is administered solutions of amino acids, glucose, and fat emulsions. If there is a significant deterioration in the function of the gland, drugs containing its synthetic enzymes are taken - Pancreatin, Panzinorm, etc. Treatment is necessary and concomitant diseases– GSD, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are used only for chronic pancreatitis and beyond the acute stage. They can't be independent method therapy, but serve as an addition to the main treatment regimen. And they can only be used after consulting a doctor.

Among those approved official medicine folk recipes can be attributed:

Freshly squeezed potato juice. It is advised to drink half a glass 2 hours before meals, and 5 minutes after that, drink a glass of kefir. This course of treatment lasts 2 weeks. After this, a break is taken for 10 days, and then the course of treatment is repeated. In total, 3–4 similar courses are conducted. Similar effect ensures the consumption of thinly sliced raw potato tubers.
Milk thistle seeds. They are ground into powder and taken 1-2 tsp. half an hour before the main meal, that is, 3-4 times a day. The powder is washed down with water. The duration of treatment is 2 months. In total, such courses can be conducted 2-3 times a year.
Dill. It is crushed, take 1 tbsp. l of this raw material and pour a glass of boiling water. Infuse the product for an hour, then filter, take this volume throughout the day, dividing it into 4 equal portions.
Cumin seeds. They are infused for 2 hours (1 tablespoon of plant material per glass of boiling water), filtered and this infusion is drunk one third of the resulting volume three times a day before meals.

Pharmacy tincture of propolis (20 drops per glass of milk) prevents suppuration, since this product is excellent natural antiseptic. But such remedies as whipped with lemon chicken protein seem doubtful, since the diet for pancreatitis seriously limits the consumption of eggs.

Nutrition

Therapeutic diet plays important role. Her energy value should be moderate, and the amount of carbohydrates, fats and cholesterol is reduced, but the amount of protein is increased. It is important to limit your intake of salt and foods rich in coarse fiber And essential oils. Fried, fatty and spicy foods are excluded, honey, sugar, jam, any confectionery. Culinary processing allows for steaming dishes, but nothing can be baked, and all dishes are served in crushed form.

Quite a lot of products are allowed, so the menu will be varied:

Yesterday's wheat bread or fresh toast so that the pieces are well dried.
Dietary meats - turkey, chicken, rabbit. They are used to make soufflés or steamed cutlets. But they cannot be served stewed. This also applies to low-fat varieties of fish.
Eggs - only in the form of a steamed protein omelet. It is possible to have a yolk in other dishes (1 egg per day).
Fermented milk products and whole milk, low fat cottage cheese. You can include mild varieties of hard cheese in your diet. But they are served only in grated form.
Cereals, with the exception of pearl barley and barley. You can eat boiled vermicelli.
Soups (dairy or vegetarian). Perfect option– cream soup of carrots or pumpkin.
Sauces made with vegetable broth or milk. You can add flour to them, but the ingredients cannot be fried.
Vegetables (except for radishes, cabbage, radishes and some types leafy greens). Pumpkin and zucchini are especially useful.
Fruits. You can use them to make jelly, jellies, and mousses. You can't eat sour fruits, but you can drink tea with lemon.

Many foods need to be excluded from the diet. These are rich pastries and puff pastry dishes, fatty meats and fish (concentrated broths based on them), canned food, durum pasta, onions and garlic, chocolate, and hard fruits. Natural coffee, cold drinks and soda are excluded.

Inflammation of the pancreas is a widespread disease. Symptoms of pancreatitis in women are less common than in men, because the stronger sex is more susceptible to developing this disease. The pancreas is considered one of the most important organs, its pathologies can disrupt the functioning of the entire organism. That's why Special attention need to be given .

What it is?

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process in the pancreas. Its main functions are:

Isolation of enzymes for digestion useful substances obtained from food in the small intestine.
Fermentation of insulin and glucagon in the blood - hormones that regulate the storage and consumption of energy obtained from food.

If enzymes are activated without leaving the intestines, the organ is affected and “self-digestion” occurs. As a result, the gland tissue is destroyed, swelling forms, and bleeding begins. Not only the gland tissue is affected, but also its blood vessels. This is mainly a disease of adults. In children, pancreatitis is diagnosed as congenital pathology. There are several factors in the development of the disease, and they differ depending on the gender of the patient.

Causes of pancreatitis in adults

Pancreatitis is divided into acute and chronic. Regardless of the form, the disease develops gradually. The main factor influencing this process is poor nutrition. Frequent use spices and fried foods, alcohol abuse provokes a deficiency of protein and vitamins in the body. Obesity occurs and neighboring organs become inflamed. Exacerbation also occurs as a result of poisoning of the body with mercury, lead, arsenic, due to atherosclerosis of glandular vessels.

Pancreatitis in men

Symptoms of pancreatitis in men most often appear as a result of overuse alcohol. 50% of all cases of the development of the disease in representatives of the stronger sex are caused by this. The second half of the factors are divided among themselves:

Cholelithiasis. The most common factor after alcohol.
Complications of infectious and viral diseases.
Postoperative complications side effects some medications.
Injuries.
Hereditary factor.

The occurrence of pancreatitis in women

Pancreatitis is less common in women than in men, but may appear during nervous soil.

Women are much more emotional than men. Therefore, pancreatitis in women appears due to nervousness. Women take everything to heart and often get nervous over trifles. In addition, the cause of pancreatitis in women may be hidden in:

poor nutrition;
self-medication (the influence of certain medications);
cholelithiasis;
infectious lesions.

Main symptoms

Symptoms of pancreatitis often occur after consuming alcohol, fried and sour dishes, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Signs of pancreatitis vary depending on the form of the disease. Usually this pathology makes itself felt with severe, girdling pain. Pain occurs in the abdomen, back, and radiates to the shoulders and heart. Such attacks may be accompanied by nausea, loss of strength, drowsiness, and vomiting. Because of this, it is difficult to diagnose the disease without hardware examination. It is worth noting that the symptoms of pancreatitis in women are the same as in men.

Manifestation of acute pancreatitis

Severe pain in the left hypochondrium, radiating to the back or encircling.
Nausea, vomiting, flatulence. Malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.
Increased body temperature.
Dry mouth, thick white coating on the tongue.
Headache, sweating. The skin becomes pale.
Promotion blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, shock.

Signs of chronic pancreatitis

Permanent or temporary abdominal pain. Appears after drinking alcohol and fatty foods.
Pain in the upper abdomen radiates to the back.
Rumbling in the stomach, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
Loss of appetite, stool upset, chronic diarrhea.
Dehydration. As a result, the patient's body weight decreases.
Skin and mucous membrane oral cavity acquire a yellow tint.
On last stage diabetes mellitus occurs.

Diagnostics

General and biochemical analysis blood is needed for correct setting diagnosis.

The first signs of pancreatic disease should be a reason to visit a doctor. Since pancreatitis manifests itself nonspecifically, especially in the acute period, this disease may be confused with some gastrointestinal pathologies. To make a correct diagnosis, you need to undergo an examination. In this case, diagnosis consists of the following procedures:

General analysis of urine and blood, study of water and electrolyte balance, blood biochemistry.
Ultrasound, radiography, computed tomography.
Endoscopy.
In severe cases, laparoscopy is performed ( surgical intervention through small incisions in the skin is part of the treatment).

In parallel with drug treatment, the following recipes can be used traditional medicine, but first you need to consult your doctor:

Mix equal parts of dry motherwort herb, peppermint and St. John's wort. 2 tbsp. l. collection, pour 1.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 40 minutes. Drink 3 times a day before meals, ¾ tbsp.
Infuse 1 tbsp in one glass of boiling water. l. dry plantain leaves for an hour. The resulting infusion should be drunk within a day. Treatment is continued until symptoms disappear.
With an exacerbation of 1.5 tbsp. hot water infuse 50 g of dry crushed dandelion root for 2 hours. The resulting product is drunk before eating 3 times a day.

The pancreas is one of the key organs digestive system. Despite its small size, this valuable gland performs several functions at once. essential functions– digestive, metabolic and energy. In addition, the production of insulin and the maintenance of normal glucose levels depend on the work of the pancreas. It is not surprising that in the case of a disease of this organ, a person develops serious problems with health.

The most common and most serious illness pancreas is pancreatitis. Why pancreatitis occurs in adults - symptoms, treatment and diet for this disease will be discussed in this article.

The essence of the disease

In medical terms, pancreatitis is called inflammatory disease pancreas, which develops as a result of a violation of the outflow of secretions produced by the gland or early activation of enzymes, due to which they begin to digest not the food entering the body, but the organ itself. If this process is not stopped in a timely manner, it can result in death for the patient. To prevent this from happening, it is important to know the causes of pancreatitis and be sensitive to the symptoms of this dangerous disease.

Causes of pancreatitis in adults

Statistics show that over the past 30 years, the incidence of pancreatitis has doubled. Moreover, men are more likely to suffer from this disease. Why is this happening? The explanation here is simple - men are more likely to abuse alcohol, and it is this harmful habit that is key factor development of the disease. If we talk about women, then pancreatitis often develops against the background of existing gallstone disease - another important reason development of pancreatitis.

Other reasons that can lead to the development of this disease include:

chronic pathologies of the liver and stomach (ulcerative and cholelithiasis, gastritis and duodenitis);
long-term use of some medicines(antibiotics, hormonal drugs, sulfonamides);
abnormalities in the development of the gland or the appearance of a tumor in this organ;
complication of some infectious diseases (viral hepatitis B and C, and mumps);
operations on the abdomen, as well as injuries and bruises of the digestive organs that affect the pancreatic gland;
violation metabolic processes in organism;
“bad” heredity;
helminthic infestations;
excess weight;
abuse of fatty foods, mayonnaise and fast food, soda and spicy foods.

However, in approximately 30% of patients, pancreatitis develops without obvious causes.

Statistics show that the following people most often experience pancreatitis:

alcoholics – 30%;
suffering from liver and pancreas diseases – 30%;
those suffering from excess weight – 20%;
suffered injuries and wounds in the abdominal area – 10%;
having hereditary predisposition to pancreatitis and gastrointestinal diseases – 10%.

Signs of acute pancreatitis

The key symptom of the disease in question is sharp pain, arising in the left hypochondrium. However, depending on the nature of the lesion, pain may be felt on the right or be encircling. Moreover, the pain syndrome with pancreatitis is so strong that without timely assistance a person may develop pain shock.

In addition to pain, there are a number of other characteristic symptoms of inflammation of the pancreas, namely:

the appearance of bluish spots in the navel and lower back;
yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes;
paleness of the skin;
the appearance of cold, sticky sweat;
diarrhea with foul-smelling, foamy stools;
frequent constipation, constant bloating and tension in the abdominal muscles;
blood pressure surges;
high fever;
belching, nausea and painful hiccups;
vomiting with bile;
lightheadedness and darkening of the eyes;
loss of consciousness.

In case of any of the listed symptoms of the disease, you should immediately go to the doctor or call an ambulance.

Signs of chronic pancreatitis

If acute pancreatitis is not treated promptly and significant changes are not made to your life, adults may develop a chronic form of pancreatitis. In this case, it is quite difficult to identify the disease by symptoms, because it is disguised as other somatic diseases, such as gastritis or biliary dyskinesia.

As in the case of acute pancreatitis, the main symptom chronic disease there is pain in the “episgastric” region (in the center of the abdomen, between the ribs). True, it can become encircling or “spread” throughout the body. What is typical is that if such a person lies on his back, the pain syndrome will intensify, and if he sits down and slightly tilts his body forward, it will weaken.

In addition, if you break a gentle diet, you may experience pain after meals. Interestingly, pain after drinking alcohol may not appear immediately, but after several days. Sometimes they're like that discomfort are localized in the heart area, which is why they can easily be confused with an attack of angina pectoris.

Besides pain, persons suffering from chronic pancreatitis may also experience other unpleasant symptoms. Let's list them:

rumbling and bloating between meals;
loss of appetite and aversion to a specific product;
unexplained weight loss (in the case of a long-term illness);
unpleasant dyspeptic symptoms (belching, salivation and hiccups, nausea and vomiting);
chronic diarrhea (oily, mushy stool with particles of undigested food);
low-grade body temperature (37.0–37.5°C), which lasts for a long time;
chronic fatigue syndrome;
nervousness and irritability;
sleep problems.

Based on the symptoms that appear, doctors divide pancreatitis into four types:

1. Asymptomatic. With it, the patient does not worry at all, and therefore he has no idea about his condition and does not consult a doctor.
2. Dyspeptic. Characterized by frequent disorder stomach, constant bloating abdomen and weight loss.
3. Painful. This is the most common type in which a person suffers from pain after eating or drinking alcohol.
4. Pseudotumor. The symptoms of the disease and its course are very similar to the development of oncology.

If you notice even remote signs of pancreatitis, be sure to consult a doctor and find out their nature, because timely detected disease gives excellent chances for treatment and a fulfilling future life.

Diagnosis of pancreatitis

First of all, the doctor listens to the patient’s health complaints and palpates the abdominal area. Palpation often helps to identify the source of pain. True, it is possible to fully palpate the gland only in very thin patients, and only if the organ is greatly enlarged.

In any case, diagnosis is not limited to palpation alone. To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist recommends that the patient undergo:

urine and stool analysis;
clinical and biochemical blood test;
radiography;
gastroscopy;
Ultrasound abdominal cavity;
CT (computed tomography);
proserine test.

Confirmation of acute pancreatitis will be high performance pancreatic enzyme elastase. If specialists find in the urine increased content diastase enzyme, this will confirm the development chronic form diseases. When, as a result of the disease, the damage to the gland is 90%, you can detect high content undigested food and fats.

Treatment of pancreatitis

If tests and other examination methods confirm the presence of pancreatitis, treatment should be started immediately.

Acute pancreatitis

This disease can be treated exclusively in a hospital setting. After calling an ambulance, the patient should take antispasmodics (Papaverine, Spazmalgon), and also apply a cold heating pad to the stomach.

Drug treatment of this disease involves the use of the following drugs:

Diuretics (Diacarb and Furosemide). The drug prevents swelling of the pancreas.
Saline solutions and plasma substitutes (Reosorbilact and Reopoliglyukin). The drugs are administered intravenously.
Enzyme inhibitors (Trasylol, Kontriven). These drugs are used in the acute period of the disease.
Painkillers and antispasmodics (No-shpa, Ketanov, Papaverine). Medicines are used to relieve pain syndrome.
Antiemetics (Metoclopramide, Cerucal). Used in case of persistent vomiting.

According to doctors, treatment of acute pancreatitis is based on the “three pillars” - hunger, cold and rest. Indeed, the patient is prescribed strict bed rest in the ward intensive care. At the same time, the patient is recommended to fast for 3-4 days. Allowed only drinking plenty of fluids which supports water balance in organism. When severe course The disease requires fasting for up to 14 days. In this case, the patient is transferred to parenteral nutrition, in which fat emulsions and protein hydrolysates are administered intravenously.

Nutrition for acute pancreatitis

You need to come out of hunger carefully. They gradually begin to introduce cottage cheese and yogurt into the diet, and then switch to special diet(table No. 5). Such nutrition implies complete failure from alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, soda and black coffee. Any fatty food(fatty meat and fish), offal, hot and sour, pickled and canned food, various sauces and fast food. The ban applies to pearl barley, corn and wheat cereals, legumes and boiled eggs, as well bakery products, incl. black bread.

Among the products that are allowed for consumption, the following should be highlighted: dietary meat and fish, vegetable soups, boiled mucous porridges (buckwheat, rice and oatmeal), dried White bread, as well as one egg per day (in the form of a steam omelet). In addition, you can eat processed, grated vegetables (except those rich in starch, such as potatoes) and baked fruits (pear and apple). Some dried fruits, in particular raisins, dried apricots and prunes, will also be useful. You can drink skimmed milk, compotes and jelly from dried fruits, as well as weak tea.

Chronic pancreatitis

Treatment of the chronic form of the disease is very similar to the treatment of acute pancreatitis. Only in this case dietary food should become permanent for the patient. In addition, he must regularly take enzymatic preparations and periodically take antispasmodics. Such patients are advised to visit regularly health resorts who specialize in the treatment of gastroenterological diseases.

A strict diet in patients with chronic pancreatitis should become a lifestyle. This is quite difficult, since you will have to give up your favorite foods - fatty fried meat, sweets, mushrooms, spicy dishes and fast food. You will have to switch to boiled and stewed foods, and eat small and often meals.

Folk remedies for treating pancreatitis

1. Herbal collection No. 1. To prepare such a remedy, you need to mix calendula, chamomile, plantain, dandelion roots, mint and corn silk in equal proportions. 1 tablespoon of this mixture should be poured into 200 ml of hot boiled water and let the product sit for an hour. This medicine should be taken half a glass 30 minutes before meals or an hour after meals 3 times a day.

2. Herbal collection No. 2. The collection consists of lingonberry leaves, beans, blueberries. These ingredients are taken in two parts. Add elecampane rhizome and yarrow, take one part at a time and mix all the ingredients. From ready collection take a tablespoon and pour a glass of boiling water. After boiling for a minute, infuse the medicine for two hours. After straining, take a quarter glass three times a day before meals.

3. Dill seeds. Pour 300 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of chopped dill and let the product brew for literally 30 minutes. You need to take the medicine before meals, taking 1/2 cup in small sips.

4. Herbal collection No. 3. Mix flowers of immortelle, calendula and motherwort, ½ tbsp each. each and pour a liter of boiling water over them. You need to take this infusion before each meal (3-4 times a day) 1/3 cup.

5. Buckwheat with kefir. We rinse a glass of buckwheat and fill it with kefir and leave it to soak overnight. In the morning, divide the finished mixture into two servings. We use the first for breakfast, and the second for lunch or dinner. The duration of therapy is limited to 2 weeks, but can be extended at the discretion of the doctor.

6. Golden mustache. You should take two stems of the plant, about 15 cm and 25 cm long. You need to chop them, pour 700 ml of boiling water over them, put them on water bath, boil for a quarter of an hour, then leave for about 8 hours. The product must be stored in the refrigerator. The dose is selected carefully, most often a dosage of 50 g is suitable. Start taking it with a tablespoon, gradually increasing to 50-70 ml. The decoction should be drunk warm, 40 minutes before meals. It is believed that complete recovery occurs after a month.

7. Raspberries and rose hips. Raspberry and rose hips are taken in equal quantities and mixed. 1 tbsp. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the mixture and let it brew. The resulting infusion is drunk warm, one third of a glass, 3 times a day. This remedy normalizes the functioning of the pancreas.

8. Herbal mixture for chronic pancreatitis. The collection consists of sandy immortelle, motherwort pentaloba, and calendula officinalis, collected in equal parts. Take 3 tbsp. l. of this composition, pour a liter of boiling water, strain, and leave for three hours. You need to take half a glass 6 times a day.

9. Pain relief. Belladonna can be used as antispasmodic and analgesic drugs. You should use belladonna or belladonna tincture, a maximum of 10 drops three times a day before meals. Dry belladonna extract - 0.02 - 0.04 g three times a day.

Prevention of pancreatitis

In order not to face such a serious disease as pancreatitis, you should make significant changes in your life. First of all, it is important to get rid of bad habits by giving up alcohol and cigarettes. In parallel with this, it is necessary to reconsider own food, trying to eat small meals and not overeat. The pancreas does not like long breaks in food or large amounts of food at one time. It is also advisable to avoid mixing proteins and carbohydrates. But doing it 1-2 times a month fasting days, you will give your pancreas a rest. On days like these, it is important to drink a lot of water, especially herbal infusions and weak teas. Remember also that for pancreatitis, forceful exercise is contraindicated. physical training and lifting weights. Often this factor provokes an exacerbation of the disease. It is better to do Pilates, yoga, and also breathing exercises.
Good health to you!

This article will discuss characteristic symptoms and methods of treating pancreatitis in adults. This disease implies inflammatory and degenerative. In men this disease diagnosed more often than in women. Pancreatitis is usually divided into acute and chronic.

Basic causes of pancreatitis in adults

Among probable causes The development of pancreatitis in adults can be distinguished as follows:

alcohol abuse;
fast food and fatty foods dominating the diet;
presence of stones in gallbladder or bile ducts;
duodenitis;
peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines;
operations in the epigastric region and biliary tract;
injuries, abdominal wounds;
endoscopy and radiography of the bile ducts;
while taking a number of medications (sulfonamides, antibiotics, estrogens);
infectious diseases (viral hepatitis B or C, mumps);
helminthic infestations;
anatomically irregular structure gland ducts;
impaired metabolism;
hormonal disorders.

Unfortunately, in every third patient it is not possible to establish the exact etiology of the development of acute pancreatic disease.

Signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis in adults

Acute pancreatitis in adults can be suspected based on the following main criteria: sudden, intense pain, usually in the left side of the abdomen. Depending on the area of organ damage, the pain may also be felt more on the right side or be of a girdling nature. If assistance is not provided in a timely manner, the patient may even develop pain shock.

But, in addition to this, adults may also experience the following:

fever;
blood pressure jumps up and down;
cold, sticky sweat appears;
the skin turns pale;
bluish spots appear in the navel area and on the lower back;
in some cases, yellowness of the sclera and skin is observed;
nausea, belching, hiccups;
attacks of vomiting with bile;
frequent, foamy, foul stools;
bloating, constipation, tense abdominal muscles;
loss of consciousness.

If at least some of the symptoms listed above are present, the patient urgently needs to be hospitalized.

Signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis in adults

As for chronic pancreatitis, it often occurs without pronounced clinical symptoms. Signs of inflammation of the pancreas in adults are often disguised as signs of other somatic diseases(gastritis, biliary dyskinesia).

But, as in the case of an acutely ongoing process, when chronic course The patient's illness is also primarily concerned about pain. They are, as a rule, localized in the “epigastric” region, often radiating to the left or right hypochondrium and back. Often the pain is diffuse or irritating. If you lie on your back, it intensifies, and in a sitting position, with the body slightly tilted forward, the pain weakens.

Pain occurs and intensifies after eating in violation of the principles of a gentle diet. With alcohol abuse, pain syndrome may occur only after a few days. Sometimes the pain reaches the heart area and can be confused with an attack of angina.

In addition, adults experience the following symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:

loss of appetite with aversion to any type of food;
general dyspeptic symptoms (belching, hiccups, drooling, attacks of nausea, vomiting);
diarrhea (mushy stool with particles of undigested food, copious, greasy);
bloating and rumbling between meals;
if the disease is long-term, then the person loses weight intensively;
slight increase in body temperature;
irritability;
chronic fatigue syndrome;
sleep disturbance.

And also, focusing on the symptomatic complex, we can distinguish several types of disease:

Asymptomatic - it does not manifest itself in any way and the person does not even know about the presence of the disease.
Painful - after eating or drinking alcohol, there is a clear pain syndrome.
Dyspeptic - chronic intestinal disorder, bloating, weight loss.
Pseudotumor - the course and symptoms resemble cancer.

If there are at least some signs of chronic pancreatitis in adults, then it is necessary to mandatory get advice from a specialist.

Diagnosis of pancreatitis in adults

To make and confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will first examine the abdomen. Palpation will help determine the main source of pain. But it is possible to fully palpate the gland only if the patient is very thin and the pancreas is greatly enlarged.

symptoms of chronic pancreatitis in adults - diagnosis

But even very experienced specialist will not bet final diagnosis only by examination and history taking. The following diagnostic measures will be recommended to the patient:

clinical blood test;
biochemical tests;
stool and urine analysis;
radiography;
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
CT scan;
gastroscopy;
proserine test.

The main indicator of the degree of the inflammatory process is how high the elastase levels are. An increase in diastase in the urine also indicates chronic pancreatitis. If the gland is 90% affected, then it will be found in the stool a large number of fats and undigested food debris.

Treatment of pancreatitis in adults

If the first signs of pancreatitis in adults have been confirmed by examination results, then it is necessary to begin treatment immediately.

Acute pancreatitis

If an adult has acute symptoms pancreatitis, then he urgently needs to be taken to the hospital and treated only in a hospital setting. And before the ambulance arrives, you can apply a cold heating pad to your stomach and take antispasmodics (Papaverine, Drotaverine).

During the treatment of acute pancreatitis, special attention is always paid to hunger, cold and rest. In a hospital setting, the following drugs are usually used:

Plasma substitutes are administered intravenously and saline solutions(Reopoliglyukin, Reosorbilakt).
Diuretics to prevent swelling of the pancreas (Furosemide, Lasix, Diacarb).
To relieve pain, use antispasmodics and painkillers (No spa, Papaverine, Ketanov, Dexalgin).
If vomiting persists (Cerucal, Metoclopramide).
In the acute period, enzymatic inhibitors (Contriven, Trasylol) are used.
Antisecretory drugs (Kvamatel, Omeprazole).
Vitamin therapy to support a weakened body.

The patient is advised to fast for 4-5 days. If the course of the disease is particularly severe and you have to fast for more than 14 days, then parenteral nutrition is prescribed. The patient is administered intravenously protein hydrolysates and fat emulsions. Gradually, yogurt and cottage cheese appear in the patient’s diet, and after another 3 days you can switch to table No. 5P.

In some cases, if destructive pancreatitis is suspected and if there is ineffectiveness conservative therapy surgical intervention is indicated.

Chronic pancreatitis

The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis in adults and treatment are almost identical, as in the case acute course diseases. Following a diet for such a patient should become a lifestyle. He must also take enzyme preparations and periodically antispasmodics. In addition, it would be good to visit resorts specialized in the treatment of gastroenterological diseases.

A diet for pancreatitis may seem very strict, since it excludes from the diet the most beloved foods by many (chocolate, sweets, barbecue, mushrooms, fried, spicy, fast food). Methods of processing food that should be a priority - boiled or stewed. You need to eat small and often, and also do not mix different kinds proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

They have also proven themselves well in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Herbal infusions(with chamomile, calendula, dandelion roots, corn silk, plantain, mint) are used to prepare infusions or decoctions. Taken, as a rule, 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after meals.

Regardless of how pancreatitis manifests itself in adults, it is necessary to combine various methods treatment to maintain pancreatic function and avoid relapses and exacerbations. Healthy image life and timely recognition of the symptoms of the disease will help in the fight against this disease.

is a disease that occurs due to inflammation and degeneration of the pancreas. This body is very important in the human body, it is responsible for the production of insulin and secretes an enzyme that allows food to be processed quickly and correctly. The disease is very common, especially among adults, but it is treatable. If you adhere to certain medical rules and follow a diet, the patient will feel relief in the near future. It is important to know what causes inflammation of the pancreas and what precautions need to be taken.

Types of acute pancreatitis

In order to understand yours as best as possible, you need to clearly define all its features. First you need to clarify what types of pancreatitis exist. Acute pancreatitis currently ranks 3rd in terms of distribution and frequency of diseases. Diseases of the abdominal cavity and pancreas are divided into several types:

Hemorrhagic type, at the time of such inflammation, hemorrhage occurs in.
Interstitial type - severe swelling of the gland and abdominal part.
Acute pancreatitis. At this moment, a compaction is felt in the area of the damaged organ, and areas of decay are detected.
Purulent pancreatitis. This type is characterized by purulent accumulation in the pancreas.
Choleciotopancreatitis is acute degree a disease during which inflammation of two digestive organs occurs at once: the gallbladder and pancreas.

However, despite the degree of pathology, positive result visible in 90 percent of cases if started on time drug treatment and comply proper diet prescribed by a doctor.

Main causes of the disease

In adults, especially in men, pancreatitis develops more often than in children. The reasons are the following factors:

Although there are many signs, unfortunately, very often the doctor fails to establish the main cause of the disease. Treatment is prescribed according to the general condition.

If the disease is detected in a child, then it is most likely caused by poor nutrition, infectious pathology or arose due to allergic reaction. Children are not yet fully adapted to external pathogens and infections, so exacerbation of pancreatitis occurs in a complex form and with complications.

Diagnostic examination

The pancreas is located quite deep in the human body, so recognizing pancreatin is quite difficult. To make such a diagnosis, the doctor recommends undergoing full examination, which includes: angiography of the gland and its vessels, urine analysis for examination digestive enzymes And general analysis blood.

In combination with these tests, the doctor must feel the patient and, through examination, detect the diseased organ. If there is a significant increase in the patient’s blood and urine, then this is a sign of pancreatitis, and this is also indicated by the presence of the enzyme amylase in the urine. In addition, we carefully study ESR indicators and leukocytosis.

In addition, it is important to monitor the consistency of your diet; it is better to eat less, but more often. Eat at least 5 times a day in small portions so as not to overload the pancreas.

The following foods are allowed:

dairy (yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, butter and non-acidic cheeses)
mashed porridge
wheat bread, it is better if it is stale
boiled lean fish
egg white omelette
baked and boiled vegetables
berry and fruit, non-acidic
beef and poultry