What to do if your pancreas hurts. As the functionality of an organ decreases, pathological processes occur that accompany such diseases.

Pancreas is an organ that produces pancreatic juice containing alkalis and digestive enzymes. Through a special duct, this juice enters the small intestine, where it ensures the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. In addition, pancreatic cells synthesize hormones that regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates in our body (glucagon and insulin), as well as the functions of other systems and organs (somatostatin).

Causes of pain in the pancreas

All pathologies that cause pain in the pancreas can be divided into three large groups:
1. Direct diseases of the pancreas:

• pancreatitis;
• cysts and pseudocysts;
• tumors.

2. Pathologies of nearby organs that cause pain in the pancreas:

• cholelithiasis;
• cholecystitis;
• dyskinesia of the gallbladder and biliary tract.

3. Diseases of other organs and systems, the pain in which is similar to pain in the pancreas:

• pyelonephritis;
• urolithiasis disease;
• gastritis;
• stomach ulcer;
• enteritis;
• osteocondritis of the spine;
• shingles;
• intercostal neuralgia.

Diseases of the pancreas itself

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Most often, the pancreas is characterized by the development of inflammatory lesions, which have both acute and chronic forms.

Acute pancreatitis often begins with pain in the upper abdomen, which can last for several days. These pain sensations are significant and persistent. In addition, they often begin to spread to the back area, becoming encircling in nature. The intensity of the pain increases while eating, after drinking alcoholic beverages and when lying on your back. Also symptoms, indicating the development of pancreatitis, are:

• nausea and uncontrollable vomiting, leading to dehydration;
• bloating;
• increased body temperature;
• increased sensitivity of the abdominal wall when touched;
• increased heart rate;
• weight loss;
• the appearance of diarrhea and bowel movements containing large amounts of fat.

On the left side wall of the abdomen and around the navel, hemorrhages may be observed in the form of bluish spots, sometimes with a yellowish tint.

In particularly severe cases, there are signs of dehydration and decreased blood pressure. Patients with acute pancreatitis appear extremely weakened and malnourished. In addition, as this pathology progresses, pain may disappear. One possible reason for this phenomenon is that the inflamed pancreas gradually stops producing enzymes necessary for digestion.

Chronic pancreatitis called inflammatory-dystrophic damage to pancreatic tissue. With this pathology, patients complain of:

• aching dull pain around the navel and upper abdomen, which increases after heavy consumption of fatty foods ("holiday feast" syndrome);
• nausea and a feeling of bitterness in the mouth;
• periodic vomiting;
• feeling of heaviness in the upper abdomen.

With an increase in the size of the head of the pancreas, obstructive jaundice may develop. It is caused by a violation of the outflow of bile, which leads to the accumulation of bile pigments in the tissues and blood. This process is manifested by yellowing of the skin, lightening of stool and dark coloring of urine.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis often experience sensory disturbances in the extremities associated with functional changes in peripheral nerves.

Inflammatory processes in the pancreas can be complicated by its destruction, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity) and the formation of cavities filled with pancreatic juice and the remains of dead cells (pseudocysts).

Diseases of the pancreas associated with the formation of cysts and pseudocysts

Pancreatic cysts are divided into congenital and acquired (pseudocysts).
In the second case, the most common cause of cavity formation is acute pancreatitis. Accumulating pathological fluid and increasing in size, due to compression of surrounding organs, the pseudocyst causes pain. In addition, it disrupts the movement of food in the stomach and duodenum. The development of suppuration of a pseudocyst is also possible.

The pain in this disease is vague, localized in the upper abdomen, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in it. In some cases, a large cyst can even be detected by touch.

The following complications pose a danger to the health and life of the patient:
1. Breakthrough cysts into the abdominal cavity.
2. Breakthrough cysts into the pleural cavity.
3. Breakthroughs of cysts into neighboring organs.
4. Development of internal bleeding.

Pancreas cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the epithelial cells of the ducts or glandular tissue of the pancreas. The signs of this pathology are nonspecific and often are not clearly expressed. For this reason, in many cases the tumor is detected already in the later stages of the process.

Tumor growths in the pancreas are characterized by prolonged pain in the center of the abdomen and on the left side. The pain syndrome tends to increase when the patient is in a supine position, as with pancreatitis. This forces the patient to take a half-bent position.

In addition, pancreatic cancer is characterized by the following symptoms:

• spreading pain towards the back;
• weight loss;
• jaundice caused by compression of the bile ducts by a growing tumor.

Pain in the pancreas caused by pathologies
nearby organs

The pancreas is located behind the stomach, directly next to the gallbladder. This is the reason that any pathological processes in the gallbladder quickly invade the pancreas.

Cholelithiasis

Gallstone disease is the formation of stones in the gallbladder and bile ducts. In isolated form, this pathology gives rather meager symptoms - its first signs appear only 5-10 years after the onset. Direct manifestations of cholelithiasis are:
1. Jaundice due to compression or blockage of the bile ducts by a stone.
2. Attacks of biliary colic, which are provoked by the advancement of a stone along the bile ducts.

Biliary colic manifests itself as sudden cutting and stabbing pain. It occurs when pressure in the gallbladder and its ducts increases due to an obstruction to emptying in the form of stones. An increase in pressure also leads to pain in the pancreas. This pain is localized in the center and in the right half of the abdomen, and can radiate to the lower back and right shoulder blade. Sometimes the pain can radiate even beyond the sternum, which simulates an attack of angina.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, which has acute and chronic forms. Main manifestations acute cholecystitis:

• paroxysmal pain in the right half of the abdomen, radiating to the right shoulder and shoulder blade;
• chills and fever;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• itching of the skin;
• jaundice.

Chronic form of cholecystitis has stoneless and calculous flow options. Calculous (associated with the formation of stones) cholecystitis is often one of the outcomes of cholelithiasis. Chronic cholecystitis is manifested by nausea and the presence of dull pain in the center and right half of the abdomen, which occurs 30-40 minutes after eating.

In both acute and chronic cholecystitis, the inflammatory process can spread to the pancreas, primarily to its head. This provokes the appearance of reactive pain in it.

Dyskinesia of the gallbladder and biliary tract

Dyskinesia is a disorder of motility and the outflow of contents from the gallbladder. Symptoms of this pathology:

• dull or sharp pain in the abdomen on the right and in the epigastric region, associated with exercise or eating, radiating upward to the right shoulder;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• nausea and vomiting;
• bad breath;
• soreness when touched.

An increase in pressure in the gallbladder due to a violation of the outflow of its contents, as well as when the duct is blocked by a stone, can cause pain in the pancreas.

Pain in the pancreas caused by diseases of others

organs and systems

Pyelonephritis

This is the name of inflammatory kidney disease, which most often occurs due to bacterial lesions. And what patients regard as pain in the pancreas, may be a manifestation of pyelonephritis. Pain syndrome, both with pyelonephritis and with pathologies of the pancreas, can be localized in the back and lower back, to the right or left of the spine. Usually the pain is aching and dull in nature, but sometimes it is of high intensity, taking on a cramping character. More often this is observed when the ureter is blocked by a stone and the development of urolithiasis pyelonephritis.

In addition to the pain symptom, the clinical picture of acute pyelonephritis includes:

• development of intoxication syndrome;
• general weakness;
• increase in body temperature to 38-40 o C;
• nausea, sometimes vomiting;

Chronic pyelonephritis constantly bothers the patient with dull aching pain in the lower back and side. The difference from pain due to lesions of the pancreas is that this pain syndrome becomes especially severe in cold and damp weather. In addition, patients experience frequent and painful urination, since with this pathology inflammation often affects the bladder.

Urolithiasis disease

Urolithiasis is a pathology that is caused by the formation of stones in the organs of the urinary system. Outside of exacerbation, this disease does not have pronounced symptoms, manifesting itself only as dull pain in the side and lumbar region, which is easily confused with pain due to lesions of the pancreas. In case of urolithiasis, the pain syndrome intensifies after a bumpy ride, during physical exertion or long walking.

If a dislodged stone causes a blockage in the ureter, it will cause the following symptoms:
1. Acute spastic pain in the lumbar region and lateral abdomen.
2. Nausea and vomiting.
3. The appearance of blood in the urine.

Sharp and intense pain in the side, both in front and behind, may indicate the movement of stones along the ureter.

Gastritis

Acute gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which is caused by a single exposure to any strong irritant. This pathology often occurs when toxic chemicals enter the stomach, take certain medications, or consume low-quality products contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. Pain due to gastritis, in its localization and intensity, can be mistaken for pain due to lesions of the pancreas.

The clinical picture of acute gastritis largely depends on the nature of the damaging factors, the duration of their exposure and the body’s response to them. As a rule, the first symptoms appear within 6-12 hours after the lesion. Most often, acute gastritis is characterized by the following symptoms:

• loss of appetite;
• heaviness and pain in the epigastric region;
• feeling of an unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• salivation;
• nausea;
• vomiting, including stomach contents with mucus and bile;
• belching of air and food;
• weakness, dizziness and headache.

If you eat contaminated foods several times a day, you may experience mushy or loose stools. There is rumbling and bloating, as well as a mild increase in body temperature.

Chronic gastritis is called a recurrent inflammatory lesion of the gastric mucosa.

Those suffering from this disease experience pain in the epigastric and periumbilical region, similar to pain in diseases of the pancreas. The pain is usually not very intense and is dull or aching in nature. It is important to pay attention to the connection between pain and food intake, as well as the characteristics of the products. With chronic gastritis, early onset of pain is observed - almost immediately after eating, especially in cases where the food is sour or has a rough consistency.

Also local signs of chronic gastritis are:

• heaviness, feeling of fullness, distension and pressure in the epigastric and epigastric regions;
• the appearance of regurgitation and belching;
• unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• nausea;
• burning in the epigastrium;
• heartburn, indicating a violation of the removal of food from the stomach, and the reflux of its contents back into the esophagus.

General symptoms of chronic gastritis:

• irritability, weakness and increased fatigue;
• heart pain, blood pressure fluctuations, heart rhythm disturbances;
• sweating, pallor and drowsiness that occurs after eating;
• sensory disturbances of the upper and lower extremities;
• pain and burning on the tongue and in the mouth.

Stomach ulcer

An ulcer is a deep, inflamed defect in the mucous membrane and underlying layers of stomach tissue. The main symptom of this pathology is pain in the epigastric and periumbilical region, which can be mistaken for pain in the pancreas. The intensity of pain from an ulcer varies widely. Sometimes, even with exacerbations of a peptic ulcer, pain can be very mild or absent altogether. At the same time, the pain syndrome due to gastric ulcer can be of high intensity, which requires immediate measures to alleviate the patient’s condition.

An informative indicator is the relationship between pain and food intake. With stomach ulcers, pain does not appear as early as with gastritis, but, nevertheless, this relationship can be seen quite clearly. Gastric ulcer is also characterized by a relapsing course - it manifests itself in alternating periods of exacerbation (usually in autumn or spring) and remissions.

The clinical picture of a stomach ulcer includes the following symptoms:

• nausea and vomiting after eating;
• frequent occurrence of heartburn and belching with sour contents;

A dangerous sign is acute, sharp pain in the abdominal cavity, which is characterized as
"dagger". It may indicate perforation of the stomach wall by an ulcerative defect, that is, the formation of a hole through which the contents of the stomach penetrate into the abdominal cavity. In this condition, the intensity of pain is so severe that the patient may develop pain shock, just as can happen with acute pancreatitis. This is a life-threatening pathology for the patient, so he must be immediately taken to the hospital for emergency surgery.

Chronic enteritis

Inflammation of the small intestine, or enteritis, also manifests itself as a pain syndrome that can simulate pain in the pancreas.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbar regions is manifested by pain in the muscles of the back and lower back, stiffness and pain when turning and bending the body. With the development of radiculitis and pinching of the intercostal nerves, the pain syndrome can acquire a girdling character, which simulates diseases of the pancreas. But the difference between pain in spinal osteochondrosis is that:
1. They almost always have a clear relationship with movements in the spine.
2. With osteochondrosis, pain also occurs when palpating the spinal column, which is not observed with pancreatitis.

Intercostal neuralgia

/Intercostal neuralgia develops when the intercostal nerves are compressed or constantly irritated. The pain syndrome in this disease is characterized by a wide range of manifestations: aching and dull, sharp, piercing and burning paroxysmal pain in the ribs and back. Often it is encircling in nature, as it spreads along the affected nerve. This allows it to be confused with pain due to diseases of the pancreas. Attacks of pain may also be accompanied by:

• increased sweating;
• muscle twitching;
• paleness or redness of the skin;
• stabbing pains in the chest.

With intercostal neuralgia, the pain intensifies with inspiration, coughing, sneezing, changing body position or sudden movements. In addition, painful sensations are often observed when pressing on certain points that are located on the back, along the spine, on the surface of the chest and in the intercostal spaces. Numbness is observed directly at the sites of damage to the nerve fibers, and the pain syndrome bothers patients day and night, for a long time.

Shingles

Shingles is a viral disease that is also characterized by severe pain, which is similar to pain caused by lesions of the pancreas.

The pathological process is usually localized along the intercostal nerve trunks, causing pain. But a characteristic sign of herpes zoster is the presence of skin rashes and one-sided lesions.

The appearance of skin manifestations is usually preceded by:

• general malaise;
• slight itching;
• temperature increase;
• tingling feeling;
• neuralgic pain in the area of ​​future rashes.

Subsequently, edematous pink spots appear, on which, over the course of several days, groups of bubbles with transparent contents appear. Characterized by enlargement of regional lymph nodes and a gradual increase in pain. After 6-8 days, the bubbles begin to dry out, forming yellow-brown crusts. These crusts fall off, leaving behind minor spots of altered pigmentation. But even after the rash disappears, pain may persist that is difficult to treat - so-called postherpetic neuralgia.

Pain in the pancreas during pregnancy

In pregnant women, pancreatic diseases are quite common, but the diagnosis is quite difficult to establish. This is due to the fact that during pregnancy, all abdominal organs are significantly displaced by the enlarging uterus. This means that pain syndrome with pancreatitis can manifest itself in areas of the body that are unusual for it.

The reason for the development of pathologies of the pancreas is, first of all, its compression with an increase in the size of the uterus. This causes blockage of the pancreas excretory ducts. Another reason is digestive disorders due to decreased tone of the entire gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy. In addition, pathologies of the pancreas during pregnancy can develop due to excessive use of medications. For example, excessive (and often unjustified) consumption of vitamin and mineral complexes can have an adverse effect on the digestive tract.

Treatment

Avoiding fatty and spicy foods will help relieve pain in the pancreas. A diet for pain in the pancreas begins with strict fasting for several days. Then the diet can be gradually expanded, according to the recommendations of your doctor. Relieving pain in the pancreas can also be helped by applying cold to the abdominal area and adopting a knee-elbow position.

The pancreas plays a very important role in the body; it is an organ of the endocrine system that is responsible for the production of pancreatic juice. This substance is necessary for the normal digestion process.

But very often, due to various factors, there is a disorder in the functioning of the gland, which has serious consequences. In this case, a sharp pain is felt in the left side under the rib. Treatment must be started immediately, after the first signs appear, otherwise serious complications may occur.

Why does the pancreas hurt and how to quickly relieve the symptoms?

What is the pancreas and what functions does it perform?

The pancreas is located behind the stomach and has a three-part shape: head, body, tail. Its structure is an alveolar-tubular formation.

Each part of the organ has ducts that join into one and enter the duodenum.

Pancreatic juice, which is produced in the gland, is filled with enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of food, especially for the breakdown of organic compounds. In addition, it immediately produces insulin and glucagon, substances that enter directly into the blood; they are necessary for normal metabolism in the body.

The processes that occur in the gland are simply necessary for the normal functioning of the entire organism. Therefore, any violation in its work requires intervention. Treatment is prescribed only after all symptoms have been analyzed and the causes have been established.

Why does the pancreas hurt?

When the stomach hurts on the left side, most often it signals a disorder of the pancreas. Its work is influenced by a lot of factors, both from the internal and external world.

These are the main reasons that can cause pain in the pancreas area. However, the symptoms are very similar to other diseases of the internal organs, so treatment is prescribed exclusively by a doctor. What to do if characteristic signs appear?

Treatment of the pancreas

Therapy differs depending on the stage of pancreatic dysfunction. In the early stages, treatment is possible at home, but with the help of medications. First, you need to limit the influence of the factor that caused the pain. For example, stop drinking alcoholic beverages, eating fatty foods, smoking, etc. And only after that take medications.

For therapy in the early stages, there are universal drugs to eliminate symptomatic pain in the pancreas.

The most popular of them are the following:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs, they reduce the inflammatory process, relieve swelling ( "Paracetamol");
• Antispasmodics, relieve muscle tension, normalize the outflow of pancreatic juice ( "No-shpa", "Drotaverine");
• Prokinetics, used in case of development of intestinal motility ( "Metoclopramide");
• Drugs that relieve attacks of flatulence ( "Espumizan", "Meteospasmil").

In case of exacerbation of the disease, when the pancreas hurts with great intensity, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Self-medication at home can be dangerous in such cases. When purulent formations appear, drugs are introduced into therapy to reduce intoxication. Treatment in such cases involves inpatient treatment.

Treatment of pancreas with folk remedies

You can treat yourself at home with folk remedies. Typically, this therapy is used for chronic pancreatitis.

To do this, you need to drink various decoctions:

Treatment at home does not always bring quick results. Experts recommend using this method as an additional method, in combination with medication.

Pancreatic diseases

The range of diseases of this organ is extensive, but most often it is affected by pancreatitis. This is a serious disease that involves self-digestion of your own tissue.

It comes in two forms:

• Spicy;
• Chronic.

Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the form, but to determine it, it is necessary to analyze the symptoms.

Acute pancreatitis

A very common disease that occurs in 9% of the male population and 5% of the female population. With this form, there is severe pain in the upper navel and left hypochondrium. Acute pain may last from one to five days. It is caused by swelling that forms on the tissues of the gland. Typically, an attack occurs after a heavy meal or alcohol intake.

In addition to pain, other symptoms are observed:

Untimely treatment can cause serious complications in the form of suppuration and tissue necrosis.

Chronic pancreatitis

This is an inflammation of the pancreas, which manifests itself against the background of other diseases of the digestive tract. In 60% of cases, improper treatment of acute pancreatitis or its absence leads to the development of chronic pancreatitis. With this form, the stomach also hurts, but the nature of the pain is wandering and extends to the lower back. This pain may persist for several months.

Additional symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:

• Severe flatulence;
• Possible attacks of vomiting;
• Frequent manifestations of intestinal colic, constipation;
• Decreased appetite.

Diagnosing pancreatitis is very difficult, especially in the early stages; its symptoms are very similar to diseases of other organs. Therefore, laboratory tests, ultrasound, radiography, and gastroscopy are required.

If pain appears in the pancreas area, it is simply necessary to take action; complications can cause very serious illnesses. In addition, regular check-ups and consultation with a doctor will help protect against diseases such as pancreatitis and even pancreatic cancer.

These are very dangerous diseases, the consequences of which can be fatal. The most alarming thing is that the number of cases of disease increases every year.

Abdominal pain is one of the main symptoms that worries patients with pancreatitis. In case of acute inflammation of the pancreas, dealing with the pain syndrome is not only difficult, but also life-threatening. This disease must be treated in a hospital rather than at home, otherwise it can be fatal. But with chronic pancreatitis, a person is forced to deal with abdominal pain, if not daily, then at least quite often.

Determining the source of pain

What to do when there is pain in the projection area of ​​the pancreas? First you need to make sure that it is this organ that hurts. Very often, people suffering from chronic pancreatitis attribute all cases of abdominal pain to this disease. But in vain, because there are many other reasons why such sensations may arise.

Elimination of aching pain

Let's say you make sure that it is the pancreas that hurts, and there is no doubt about it. What to do next? The pain in this pathology can be acute, or it can be constant, aching. It is not as painful, but can last for hours. The approach to eliminating abdominal pain in such cases is different.

Aching, dull, constant pain must be eliminated gradually and regularly. First, you need to understand its cause and eliminate it. In most cases, pain syndrome is caused by functional overload of the pancreas. Secondly, pathogenetic therapy is needed to reduce the intensity of pain.

To reduce the load on the pancreas, you need to:

• consume as little fat as possible;
• follow the principle of fractional nutrition;
• exclude alcohol from the diet;
• in case of weight problems, lose weight;
• stop smoking;
• take pancreatin with meals.

Universal methods of dealing with abdominal pain (stomach pain):

1. Take a knee-elbow position. Perhaps this will ease the pain, as the pressure of the pancreas on the solar plexus will decrease.
2. Apply ice to your stomach– this must be done in order to reduce the functional activity of the pancreas.
3. Try move less.

Next, you can use medications. If you suffer from pancreatitis, you probably have a supply of tablets containing pancreatic enzymes at home. Take 4-5 pieces at once. This will allow the functional activity of the organ to be reduced according to the feedback principle. As a result, the pain will become less pronounced.

The next thing you probably have in your medicine cabinet is analgesics. Take any painkillers you find in your medicine cabinet. This could be paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac. If there are no analgesics, take cold medications. They contain the same paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid.

Surely you have no-spa in your first aid kit. You can accept it too. This drug is especially effective in relieving pain if your pancreatitis is accompanied by pathology of the biliary tract. No-spa will also relax the sphincter of Oddi and dilate the pancreatic ducts, restoring their patency.

Attention! Articles on our website are for informational purposes only. Do not resort to self-medication, it is dangerous, especially for pancreatic diseases. Be sure to consult your doctor! You can make an online appointment with a doctor through our website or select a doctor in the catalog.

Even seemingly healthy people can notice pain in the pancreas. These symptoms should alert you and be a reason to visit a doctor. After all, the pancreas is the most important part of the body’s digestive system.

What is the pancreas and why is it needed?

A person should not forget that he has a pancreas. Pain that requires immediate treatment should never be ignored. The situation is significantly complicated by the fact that this organ has a good margin of safety and does not make itself felt for a long time until serious problems arise. However, the pancreas performs 2 important functions in the body:

• Production of pancreatic juice, which enters the duodenum. It contains many essential enzymes that help digest food.
• Production of insulin and glucagon. These hormones take part in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Main causes of pain

In order for the doctor to prescribe adequate treatment, he must determine the causes of pain in the pancreas. Of course, the main problem is diseases of the organ itself, the list of which is quite large (for example, pancreatitis). In addition, there are a number of indirect reasons that can lead to pain in the pancreas, namely:

• Digestive problems. The pancreas is affected by increased fat content in the blood serum. As a result, the organ begins to produce enzymes more intensively, which can cause discomfort.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol. This leads to intense production of pancreatic juice, which destroys the tissue of the organ itself. In addition, bad habits can cause disruption of blood supply and the development of oxygen starvation of the pancreas.
• Diseases of the liver and gall bladder, which lead to disruption of the digestive process, resulting in bile coming into contact with the tissues of the pancreas, leading to irritation and inflammation.
• Taking certain medications can lead to increased production of enzymes, which negatively affects the condition of the pancreas and the entire digestive system.
• Weakened immunity. The inflammatory process that develops in the body may well spread to healthy organs, including the pancreas.
• Aging of the body. With age, all organs wear out, which is often accompanied by disturbances in their functioning and pain.

Pancreatic diseases

If you have pain in the pancreas, the symptoms may indicate a number of problems in the organ itself. The following main diseases can be identified:

• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It is usually accompanied by constant severe pain in the upper abdomen. As the disease develops, the sensations may migrate to the back area or become encircling in nature. After eating or drinking alcohol, as well as in a lying position, the intensity of pain increases.
• Cysts and pseudocysts can be congenital or acquired. Accumulating fluid, such a neoplasm increases in size. As a result, tissue compression occurs and pain appears in the pancreas. Symptoms cannot be ignored, as suppuration or breakthrough may occur.
• Malignant tumors of the pancreas do not have pronounced symptoms. Pain occurs only at a late stage, localized in the central and left part of the abdomen. As with pancreatitis, discomfort increases in the lying position.

Symptoms of pancreatic diseases

Many people do not pay attention to pain in the pancreas. Symptoms, however, may indicate serious problems with the organ. So, in addition to pain, the following signs indicate an inflammatory process in the pancreas:

• increased body temperature;
• prolonged stool disorder;
• particles of undigested food in stool;
• sudden weight loss;
• bloating;
• pallor and yellowness of the skin;
• rapid pulse;
• feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
• stomach spasms, nausea and vomiting;
• sleep disturbance;
• a constant feeling of hunger that does not stop after eating;
• frequent urination.

Nature of pain

Not everyone knows how the pancreas hurts. Sensations can vary significantly depending on the degree of organ damage. As a rule, the pain is constant and does not depend on food intake. But in the early stages of the disease it can be episodic. Even with minor discomfort, you should see a doctor, because in an advanced stage, painful shock may develop.

Localization of pain

It is also important to know where the pancreas hurts. Localization depends on which part of the organ is affected. This can be the left, right and middle epigastrium. There are also cases of pain radiating to the back, which is due to physiological characteristics.

Help at home

If you are worried about pain in the pancreas (these symptoms are quite alarming), then you should not delay your visit to the doctor. If for some reason you are unable to do this, you can alleviate the condition at home. The following rules should be followed:

• The patient needs to be provided with an alkaline drink, which will somewhat ease the load on the pancreas.
• If there is an inflammatory process or any disease worsens, a person’s appetite drops sharply. Don't force feed him. It is better to refuse food for several days or limit its consumption.
• Lack of appetite often leads to reluctance to drink. However, the patient will benefit from a rosehip decoction, which will prevent dehydration and saturate the body with vitamins.
• You can apply a cold compress to the sore spot, which will somewhat ease the spasm.
• You can significantly alleviate the condition if you lie on your side with your legs tucked to your chest (the so-called fetal position). But this is a temporary measure, since when the body returns to its normal position, the pain will return.

Pancreas: pain, treatment

Unfortunately, many people do not take their health seriously, naively believing that unpleasant symptoms will go away on their own. However, if you notice how your pancreas hurts, you should not put off visiting a doctor. Depending on the diagnosis and severity of the disease, the following treatment methods may be used:

• Surgical intervention. This measure is resorted to when serious complications develop. It is aimed at washing the abdominal cavity or removing damaged areas of the organ. It is worth noting that such operations are quite complex and are accompanied by a high degree of risk, and therefore doctors focus on conservative methods.
• Drug treatment. Depending on the symptoms and test results, the doctor determines what is possible for pain in the pancreas. Therapy is aimed at relieving inflammation, eliminating unpleasant symptoms, and restoring organ function.
• Physiotherapy. Therapeutic procedures can reduce pain and also relieve inflammation. Such measures are possible at the regression stage. The most common procedure is electrophoresis with novocaine, as well as modulated and diadynamic currents.

Medicines for pain in the pancreas

A rather unpleasant symptom is pain in the pancreas. How to relieve pain? The choice of drug largely depends on the degree of development of the pathology. So, sometimes, traditional drugs such as No-Shpa are enough, but sometimes you have to resort to narcotic substances (for example, Morphine). Of course, symptomatic treatment is not enough. By eliminating unpleasant sensations, you do not eliminate the cause.

It is necessary to ensure complete rest for the organ if there is pain in the pancreas. How to relieve pain? For this purpose, experts prescribe pancreatic enzymes. It could be "Panzirin" or "Creon". At the same time, it is worth taking proton pump inhibitors (for example, Pantoprazole or Omeprazole). All these drugs protect enzymes from destruction, and therefore the pancreas works in moderation.

If acute pancreatitis is diagnosed, antimicrobial therapy is necessary. It is produced through the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. This could be Kefzol, Klaforan or Ampicillin. Naturally, in parallel, you should take antihistamines, as well as means to maintain normal intestinal microflora.

Diet for pain in the pancreas

Pain in the pancreas causes serious discomfort. What to do? First of all, you should radically reconsider the principles of your nutrition. So, for the first three days after an exacerbation of symptoms, you should refuse to eat. Only heavy drinking is allowed in a volume of no less than one and a half liters per day. This can be non-carbonated mineral water (preferably alkaline), weak tea, or rosehip decoction. As soon as the condition begins to improve, it is worth switching to a dietary diet.

The patient should eat small portions, taking meals 5-6 times a day. The volume of each serving should be no more than 200 ml. In this case, the basis of the diet should be protein foods. It is recommended to consume the following products:

• dairy products;
• porridge cooked with cow's milk;
• steamed omelettes;
• light puree soups;
• low-fat varieties of fish;
• white meat;
• vegetables and fruits in any form (fresh, baked or boiled);
• refined vegetable oils (but not more than 20 grams per day);
• scrambled eggs.

As you can see, the list of recommended products is not that wide. But the list of prohibited foods is much longer. Fatty foods that force the pancreas to work intensively are strictly contraindicated. Avoid these foods:

• fresh bread;
• bakery products;
• fried foods;
• fatty meats and fish;
• offal;
• sausages;
• rich meat broths and soups based on them;
• butter and margarine;
• smoked products;
• strong coffee and tea;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• mushrooms;
• canned foods;
• fish roe;
• bananas;
• grape;
• chocolate and other sweets.

Patients with pancreatic diseases should stop smoking and drinking alcohol (at least for the duration of the diet). You need to return to a normal diet gradually. However, unhealthy foods on the menu should be the rare exception, not the rule.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, people do not always take the problem of pain in the pancreas seriously. What to do? This issue cannot be resolved on your own. Only a qualified specialist can make the right decision. By consulting a doctor in time, you can quickly and painlessly solve the problem without bringing the situation to surgical intervention.

The pancreas is actively involved in digestion. Its cells secrete gastric juice rich in enzymes, which helps digest food. In addition, the pancreas is part of the endocrine system. With its help, the hormone insulin is produced, which maintains the necessary levels.

Factors that provoke pain

In most cases, the cause of abnormalities in the functioning of the gland is its inflammation, which is called pancreatitis. This disease can manifest itself due to:

• Poor nutrition. Overeating, hunger, abuse of fatty and spicy foods - all this provokes the appearance of enzymes in the digestive juice that actively destroy pancreatic cells;
• Smoking, frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages. The presence of such bad habits can lead to excessive secretion of pancreatic juice;
• Metabolic disorders, blood supply to the organ;
• Deviations in the functioning of the duodenum, gallbladder and bile ducts;
• Long-term taking medications;
• Constant and frequent nervous overstrain.

These factors, together and separately, negatively affect the functioning of the pancreas, and then other vital organs. Lack of treatment, in some cases, can lead to weakening of the heart muscles, inhibition of brain cells, accumulation of fatty tissue, and development. Therefore, it is important to understand how to recognize the signs of inflammation of the pancreas in time, when you can still get rid of them on your own.

Symptoms

How does this organ hurt when there are inflammatory processes in it? The initial stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of pain in the left hypochondrium, slightly above the navel or right hypochondrium. Most often their appearance is noted on the left. Sometimes they may be accompanied by painful sensations in the lower part of the chest. A distinctive feature of such pain, indicating inflammation of the pancreas, is that it occurs or intensifies almost immediately after eating. In addition, there is a decrease in pain when bending forward in a sitting position.

After three days, suddenly appearing sharp pains usually take on an aching character. If you ignore them and do not take any action, then later the following may join them:

• Nausea and vomiting;
• Increase in body temperature to 38–39 degrees;
• Frequent;
• Dizziness;
• Reduced blood pressure;
• Cardiopalmus.

The appearance of pain after eating also provokes the development in a person of fear that after the next meal, they will become even stronger. Therefore, he limits himself to food, which leads to a sharp decrease in his weight. A prolonged absence of therapeutic measures in case of abnormalities in the functioning of the pancreas in this case can lead to the disease becoming chronic.

Treatment at home

If all the symptoms indicate that it is the pancreas that hurts, there is no nausea, vomiting or fever, then you can cope with the pain on your own. To do this you should:

• Lie down and put a cold compress on the sore spot.. It is recommended to use a heating pad with ice, a bottle of ice water, or any product from the freezer. Keep the cold in the pancreatic area for 20 minutes. After this time, the compress should be removed for a few minutes, and then the procedure should be repeated;
• Take any antispasmodic drug, for example, No – Shpu or its analogues. Such medicines are completely harmless. With their help, you can relieve spasm and expand the ducts of the gland, thereby eliminating painful sensations. You can also reduce the load and improve the condition of the inflamed organ by using a drug that contains enzymes, for example, Mezim, Festal.

Important! If the pancreas hurts severely, there is no improvement from the measures taken, body temperature rises and vomiting occurs, then you should immediately consult a doctor.

Therapeutic fasting and diet

If sharp, short-term pain appears after eating, it is advised to: eat nothing for a couple of days, often drink still mineral water, chamomile tea or a drink from. The volume of liquid drunk per day should not be less than 1.5 liters. This will help remove toxins from the body and improve the flow of pancreatic juice.

Proper nutrition

After treatment, you need to gradually introduce protein foods with a minimum amount of fat into your diet, for example, calf, chicken, rabbit, turkey. Boiled vegetables will also help fill the lack of protein in the body: zucchini, potatoes, beets, carrots, pumpkin. All soups must be vegetable.

Need to eat often: 5–6 times a day, in small portions. Eating low-fat fermented milk products, drinking compotes and jelly from berries and fruits is allowed in small quantities only when your health improves significantly.

It is strictly forbidden to consume until complete recovery: fatty, smoked, spicy, salty foods, alcoholic beverages. Baked goods, chocolate, raw fruits and vegetables, strong tea and coffee, chips, and spices are also prohibited.

Important! Allowed products can only be consumed in boiled form. You should forget about fried foods during treatment. All dishes should be at room temperature. Cold or hot food can trigger new attacks.

Use of folk remedies

You can improve the condition and restore the functioning of the inflamed organ with the help of traditional medicine. Its use will be appropriate and safe when the disease is not advanced. Popular folk remedies that significantly improve the condition of those who have pain in the pancreas are:

• Herbal infusion of immortelle and flowers. To prepare it, you need to take 2 tablespoons of a mixture of these herbs, pour a glass of boiling water, wrap it in a cloth, and leave for 30 minutes. After this, the infusion is filtered. It should be consumed half a glass 30 minutes before meals, 3 times a day;
• Oat milk. To prepare it yourself, it is better to take unpeeled oats. It is washed, placed in an enamel bowl and filled with water (500 ml of liquid per 100 g of cereal), and placed on low heat. 30 minutes after boiling, knead the oats with a wooden spoon and allow to simmer for another half hour. Then the resulting milk is filtered, after which they drink 80 ml 3 times a day. This drink should be stored in the refrigerator;
• Fresh potato juice. It is squeezed out immediately before use. This medicine should be taken 30 minutes before meals, 2 times a day, 100 ml;
• Infusion from. A tablespoon of dried flowers of this plant should be poured with a glass of boiling water and left for 8 hours. Drink this infusion half an hour before meals, a tablespoon three times a day. The course of treatment with calendula infusion should be at least a month;
• Decoction of aspen bark. To prepare it, 300 g of raw material is placed in a saucepan, poured with boiling water, and cooked for 20 minutes. Then the dishes are removed from the heat, wrapped and left warm for 12 hours. After this, the broth is filtered and stored in the refrigerator. You need to drink it warmed up, 50 ml in the morning and evening an hour before meals;
• Curdled milk compress. Soak a soft cloth well with this fermented milk drink, apply it slightly to the left of the stomach, cover with a plastic bag and secure with a scarf. You need to apply this compress for several hours every day for two months;
• Collection of blueberries and wild strawberries. You need to take 2 tablespoons of dry leaves of these plants, pour two glasses of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. You need to drink this infusion 4 times a day, 100 ml 30 minutes before meals;
• Millet and pumpkin remedy. A glass of cereal is boiled in two liters of water until fully cooked. Then add 200 g of pureed pumpkin to it and cook for another 20 minutes. At the end of cooking, pour a teaspoon into the millet and pumpkin and add a little salt. This remedy will help with pain in the pancreas if you use it daily for a whole month instead of dinner;
• A decoction of chicory, burdock, dandelion and elecampane roots. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions. For a tablespoon of this mixture you need 200 ml of water. Prepare the decoction over low heat: after boiling, wait 5 minutes, turn off the gas and leave for several hours. Then it is filtered and drunk a tablespoon before meals.

Remember! It is impossible to get rid of pain in the absence of proper nutrition, and folk remedies will be effective only at the initial stage of the disease or as preventive measures.

How to treat the pancreas (video)

Now you know how to act if your pancreas hurts, what symptoms indicate abnormalities in the functioning of this organ, and what treatment would be advisable to carry out at home.