Pancreatitis: what is the disease, causes, prevention

Pancreatitis is diagnosed with inflammation of the pancreas, which leads to disorders of enzyme secretion, decreased endocrine function. This pathology is manifested by pain on the right side of the abdomen, digestive disorders. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weakness. What leads to pancreatitis and how to prevent its development?

Causes of pancreatitis

Understanding the causes of pancreatitis is helped by understanding how the pancreas works. It produces about 30 enzymes that are involved in digestion and other processes in the body. Pancreatic juices are secreted from the pancreas in an inactive form. They are activated by bile. Therefore, if there are violations in the liver and gallbladder, spasms of the ducts, the juices of the pancreas stagnate in the organ and begin to destroy tissue.

Other causes of pancreatitis:

• Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco smoking.
• Taking medical drugs for a long time, exceeding the dosage.
• Irregular diet, excessive consumption of fast food and other unhealthy foods.
• Congenital abnormalities of the structure of the pancreas and its ducts.
• Injuries, tumors of the pancreas.

Prevention of pancreatitis

For pancreatic enzymes to be regularly formed, secreted and activated, it is necessary to establish the work of the liver. It is important to remove duct spasms and consume natural fats without heat treatment in small amounts. Then bile is released and stimulates the pancreas. The juices with enzymes are released unhindered.

The prevention of pancreatitis includes such measures:

• Exclude alcohol, smoking tobacco. Under the influence of the decay products of alcohol, the juices of the pancreas become more viscous, the ducts are blocked.
• Medicines should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor, taking into account any abnormalities in the function of the pancreas.
• Eat small meals, avoid spicy and fatty foods. Avoid products with harmful additives: dyes, preservatives, flavor enhancers. Reduce the amount of flour products and sweets.
• Examine the pancreas regularly, especially if you periodically feel discomfort in the area of this organ and pain in the right upper quadrant. This allows you to detect fibrosis, bend or prolapse of the organ and other pathologies.
• Moderately engaged in sports. Physical activity activates the metabolic processes in the body.
• Breathing exercises relax the smooth muscles of organs and ducts. This contributes to the timely outflow of bile and pancreatic juices.
• If possible, reduce stress to a minimum, sleep enough and rest.

Pancreatitis not only brings a lot of discomfort, but also disrupts the absorption of nutrients. In extreme cases, the organ can fail, which poses a threat to life. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor in a timely manner and adhere to the recommendations for the prevention of pancreatitis.