The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach and below the ribcage. Pancreatitis is a condition that is characterized by irritation or inflammation of the pancreas. It happens when digestive juices or enzymes attack the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic depending on the onset. Either form is serious and can lead to complications.
The main symptom in patients with acute pancreatitis is constant stomach pain. It often spreads to the back, chest, waist, and lower abdomen. It can extend to diabetes, infections, bleeding, and kidney problems The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can be diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and constant stomach pain on the upper side.
Pancreatitis is generally seen in individuals after 30-40 years of age. The risk factors can be gallstones, alcoholism, infections, genetic disorders, injury to the pancreas, and pancreatic cancer.
The strategy for pain management is lifestyle modifications and medications. Avoiding alcohol and smoking, eating small, frequent meals, and eating foods high in antioxidants like folate can also prove to be very beneficial in managing the symptoms. Treatment is generally based on the type and severity of the condition.
