Pancreas is the vital organ that plays an important role in digestion and regulation of blood sugar in the human body. Pancreatitis is a disease that is caused due to the inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be of two types: acute and chronic. The only difference between these two types of pancreatitis is that chronic pancreatitis usually lasts for several years but is not so severe like acute pancreatitis.

Before knowing about the treatments that are available for treating pancreatitis, it is essential to know the causes of the pancreatitis disease.

A majority of people who experience this problem are chronic alcoholics. So if you get diagnosed with it, expect one of the first questions from the doctor to be about whether you drink or not. However, pancreatitis is not only caused due to the alcohol intake, it can also be caused due to trauma from surgery or accidents, deformities or problems that can be hereditary, and even due to infections, problems caused after taking certain medications etc. In addition to this, gallstones can also create inflammation in the pancreas and the bile duct.

Both chronic and acute pancreatitis comes with almost similar symptoms. Listed below are some of the common symptoms:

Abdominal pain in the middle or upper left part of the abdomen that may increase post-meal or when you lie flat on the back. The pain could be constant and severe in the abdomen or even in areas of the back.

* Indigestion

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Tenderness in the abdomen

* Rapid heartbeat and pulse

* Fever

* Dehydration

* Weight Loss

Patients with chronic pancreatitis may experience fatty stools that emit a foul odor which is also known as steatorrhea. This indicates that all of the essential nutrients are not being digested by the body because the pancreas cannot secrete sufficient gastric enzymes that help in breaking down and digesting the food.

The Pancreas specialists in Delhi take help of imaging scans and blood tests to diagnose a related condition. If the blood test indicates an increase in the count of pancreatic enzymes; then it may indicate pancreatitis. The imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI and ultrasound can disclose the dimension of the pancreas, and if any blockages are there in the bile ducts. The doctor may also ask for a fecal fat test to know if fat content is abnormally high in the stools.

It is essential to get the best pancreas specialist in Delhi to review your condition so that you can get the best treatment. Usually, treatment for both types of pancreatitis involves hospitalization. A nasogastric feeding tube can be inserted for administering fluid and nutrition so that the pancreas can get adequate rest. Medications may include antibiotics, painkillers, pancreatic enzyme supplements, insulin etc. Vitamin supplements are also administered so that the patient can get the required nutrients.

Once the pancreatitis is under control, the health care team can treat the underlying cause of pancreatitis which may include:

* Pancreas surgery

* Gallbladder surgery

* Treatment for alcohol dependence

* Removal of bile duct obstructions

Moreover, the doctor may refer the patient to a dietician who can help in planning a low-fat meal diet that is high in nutrients. Thus, a healthy lifestyle and proper medical treatment can help in controlling pancreatitis.