Diet and healthy habits are factors that affect the health of this organ.
The pancreas is a fundamental gland for the proper functioning of the body, as it is responsible for the production of insulin and various digestive enzymes. In addition, it is divided into the head, body and tail. “It’s in an encounter called the retroperitoneum, more or less behind the stomach, where the spleen is,” explains Dr. Jorge Sabbaga, member of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC).
Exocrine and endocrine pancreas
The pancreas is divided into endocrine and exocrine, depending on their functions. “The endocrine pancreas produces many important hormones, like insulinglucagon and somatostatin, releasing them directly into the circulation “, explains gastroenterologist Marco Antonio Banal Xavier, member of the Brazilian Society of Videolaparoscopy.
The exocrine pancreas, according to the doctor, is an “organ that produces enzymes and proteins that increase the speed of digestive chemical transformations. It throws its contents directly into the intestine, the pancreatic juice”.
Important care for the health of the pancreas
The health of the pancreas is related to lifestyle and diet. “It is important to avoid the use of alcoholic beverages, as these are associated with acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as food rich in fat. Smoking and being overweight are two factors that increase the incidence of pancreatic cancer by 40% “, warns Marco Antonio Banal Xavier. Therefore, he recommends moderating the consumption of sugars and carbohydrates, increase your intake of vegetables and fiber and exercise regularly.
Warning signs
Several diseases can affect the pancreas. This is why it is important to be aware of the signs. “Symptoms vary according to the prevalence of the dysfunction. If the exocrine pancreas is predominantly affected, the main symptoms are diarrhea, weight loss and Lost fat in the stool. Symptoms resulting from diabetes will be the predominant in cases of major endocrine dysfunction “, explains Dr. Jorge Sabbaga.
Diseases affecting the pancreas
Gastroenterologist Marco Antonio Banal Xavier mentions some diseases and symptoms that affect this organ.
acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a type of inflammation that can have numerous causes: viral, such as mumps; for eating too much; alcoholic libation; traumatic injuries, as well as from gallstones migrating through the common bile duct, obstructing the pancreatic duct, which is the most frequent cause.
Symptoms: upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, abdominal pain that gets worse after eating, feeling sick and vomiting.
Treatment: it must be done with the hospitalized patient. Treatment is clinical and includes fasting, intense hydration (with saline in the vein), and medications to control pain and vomiting. In addition, it is necessary to remove the causative factor of acute pancreatitis, such as alcohol, drug withdrawal, correction of metabolic changes, etc.
Surgery is indicated in cases where the cause is abdominal trauma and which are associated with injury to other organs (spleen, liver kidney, intestines, blood vessels, etc.), or when it evolves with a serious complication, such as cyst formation, abscess (collection of pus), or partial or total necrosis of the pancreas. Patients with gallstones are indicated for their removal as soon as pancreatitis is controlled, in order to avoid further attacks.
chronic pancreatitis
It’s a repeating inflammation. It is usually caused by the abusive and continuous use of alcoholic beverages, which leads to a inflammatory process organ. Some patients with autoimmune diseases and genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis can also develop chronic pancreatitis.
Symptoms: upper abdominal pain, effortless weight loss, fatty and foul-smelling stools.
Treatment: the treatment of chronic pancreatitis will be they depend on the causative agentand specialized procedures may be indicated to remove bile duct obstructions; surgery to remove stones from the gallbladder; surgery to block the nerves that send pain signals from the pancreas to the brain; alcohol addiction treatment, as well as pain medication; insulin for diabetics, pancreatic enzyme supplements and dietary changes.
pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer can have jaundice (yellow on the mucous membranes and sclera of the eye) as the only symptom, when the tumor is in the head of the pancreas, as it compresses the bile output from the liver. Thrombosis of the artery that supplies blood to the spleen can also occur when the tumor is in the body and tail of the pancreas. Weight loss is also a common ailment in pancreatic cancer.
The diagnosis of these pathologies is made by the doctor through clinical and blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, upper digestive endoscopy, ultrasound endoscopy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, depending on the evaluation of the specific case.
Source: Terra
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