Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a hard working organ, which is responsible for two entirely different jobs in the human body:

1. Insulin Production - Insulin regulates blood sugar (glucose), entering body cells. When insulin is low, glucose accumulates in the blood and the result is high blood sugar and can lead to diabetes. Glucose levels can also rise when the insulin isn't doing its job and the cells aren't properly responding to the insulin. This is called insulin resistance and it can lead to insulin resistant diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone, so the pancreas is part of the endocrine system. Insulin is produced in cells that make up the "islets of Langerhans" in the pancreas. These cells only make up 5% of the pancreas.

2. Enzyme Production - The pancreas also produces three distinct digestive enzymes. Enzymes are organic catalysts that accelerate biochemical reactions. The pancreas produces; an amylase for breaking down carbohydrates, a protease breaks down proteins and a lipase is for breaking down fats.

These enzymes are produced by what is referred to as "exocrine tissue", which comprises a whopping 95% of the pancreas.

The pancreas is located right behind your stomach and measures 6 to 10 inches long. It extends horizontally across your abdomen. Its shape has been often compared to a fish because it has a large head and a small tail.

The Pancreas Has Four Parts:

The Head: It is located on the right side of the abdomen where your stomach meets the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.

The Neck: This is a thin section between the head and the body of the pancreas.

The Body: The middle part of the pancreas.

The Tail: This small tip is located on the left side of your abdomen and sits very near the spleen.

Pancreatitis is a condition where your pancreas becomes swollen or inflamed, causing abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. One of the common risk factors of pancreatitis is alcoholism. Excessive alcohol intake accounts for 75% of chronic pancreatitis cases.

Gallstones are made up of excess cholesterol in the gallbladder and are another common cause of pancreatitis. When the gallbladder empties itself, larger gallstones may travel along the pancreatic duct and may cause a blockage. This can lead to a backup of bile and can cause pancreatitis.

Treatment for pancreatitis usually starts with fasting. The purpose of fasting is to help the pancreas rest from producing enzymes. An endoscope may also be used to perform various tasks, such as placing a stent on your pancreatic duct, or removing gallstones.

Surgery may be needed, especially if an abscess and decaying tissue have formed.

Once you start recovering from treatment, healthy lifestyle changes should be adopted to help prevent your condition from becoming chronic.

The information presented here is not meant to help you treat pancreatitis alone. Pancreatitis is a serious matter that you must address by consulting with your doctor.

Read More