Exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis. Symptoms and treatment, diet

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process, flowing in the pancreas and accompanied by insufficient production of enzymes. The disease has distinctive symptoms and, if untreated, can flow into a chronic form or with constant exacerbations.

What is pancreatitis, causes and symptoms

Pancreatitis is a pathological inflammatory disease of the pancreas. When an organ is damaged, there is a violation of the production of enzymes that are involved in the digestive processes - the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Reasons for violation:

• taking alcoholic beverages - occurs in 70% of cases;
• surgical interventions performed on the pancreas or abdominal organs;
• the presence of stones in the bile ducts;
• frequent allergic processes;
• organ trauma and damage;
• infectious processes;
• intoxication of the body caused by various substances;
• ulcerative lesion of the stomach and duodenum;
• congenital anatomical abnormalities in the pancreas.

Signs:

• pronounced pain syndrome in the hypochondrium;
• general malaise;
• disturbances in the digestive tract;
• changes in the skin, including obstructive jaundice.

If acute symptoms develop, you must immediately call for medical help, since this condition requires hospitalization.

Causes of the chronicity of the disease

Pathology can occur in both acute and chronic forms. At the same time, there are several main factors that lead to the development of the chronicity of the disease.

Causes:

• Alcohol abuse. Alcohol negatively affects gastric juice and its secretion, leads to blockage of the bile ducts, which causes the development of the inflammatory process.
• Cholelithiasis. Pathology occurs against the background of the formation of stones stuck in the biliary tract.
• Ulcerative lesion of the duodenum, enteritis. In the presence of an ulcer, a violation of the outflow of pancreatic and gastric juice, which leads to inflammation.
• Stomach ulcer. The violation occurs as a result of the penetration of the ulcer into the pancreas.
• Infectious diseases. Diseases such as mumps and tuberculosis can cause disruptions in the production of enzymes not only in the stomach, but also in the pancreas.
• Improper nutrition. Excessive consumption of fatty, fried and spicy foods can lead to increased production of digestive enzymes, which have a negative effect on the organ itself.
• Congenital anatomical features. In most cases, this disorder leads to disorders of the production of pancreatic juice.
• Heredity. Pathology is formed against the background of hereditary diseases - cystic fibrosis or polycystic disease.
• Venous congestion. The disease causes swelling and inflammation.
• Medications. They can cause toxic damage to internal organs, including intoxication of the pancreas.
• Autoimmune organ damage. With such violations, the immune system tries to fight the enzymes and pancreatic juice.

The chronic form occurs as a result of the lack of timely or appropriate treatment, therefore, at the first symptoms, you should consult a specialist.

Signs of a chronic course of pancreatitis

Exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis (symptoms and treatment for different forms of the disorder may differ) requires immediate therapy, since it has more pronounced symptoms.

The presence of the disease can be determined by the corresponding external and internal signs.

Symptoms:

• pain in the epigastric region;
• dyspeptic disorders - nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, belching, heartburn;
• violation of the stool - increased gas production, frequent visits to the toilet, diarrhea;
• disruptions in metabolic processes, accompanied by excessive dryness of the skin, anemia, weight loss, brittle nails;
• diabetes.

With a chronic course of the disease, symptoms may temporarily worsen and disappear on their own.

What causes an exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis

An exacerbation of pathology can occur in the presence of certain provoking factors that lead to irritation of the pancreas. Repeated episodes of exacerbations can lead to tissue necrosis of the organ. At the very beginning, the process affects only adipose tissue, after which it moves directly to the organ.

The following factors can serve as provocateurs of exacerbations:

• food intake, especially fatty, fried or spicy;
• drinking alcoholic beverages;
• taking toxic drugs;
• passage of stones along the biliary tract;
• complications of other diseases that contribute to the development of inflammatory processes.

In more than 50% of cases, alcoholic beverages and heavy foods are the main irritants.

Symptoms of an exacerbation of the disease

Symptoms of exacerbated conditions in most cases are characterized by pain syndrome of varying intensity.

In this case, the violation is accompanied by other characteristic signs (in stages):

• 1st stage. There is pain in the region of the left and right hypochondrium, as well as in the epigastric region. Also, pain syndrome can occur in the lumbar region. This symptom develops half an hour after eating.
• 2nd stage. Against the background of pain syndrome, endocrine and exocrine insufficiency occurs.
• 3rd stage. At this stage, there is an increase in the symptoms characteristic of the 2nd stage. At the same time, there is a decrease in the intensity of pain, which now occurs 2 hours after eating.
• 4th stage. There is practically no pain syndrome. However, functional disorders of the pancreas become more pronounced.

Also, with an exacerbation, symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract and dyspepsia become more pronounced - nausea and vomiting, bloating, diarrhea.

In case of exacerbations, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow all the therapeutic measures prescribed by him.

Treatment methods

An exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis (symptoms and treatment can only be established after all the studies have been carried out) can be treated both at home and in a hospital.

Treatment of the chronic form requires an integrated approach that must be developed by a specialist. In this case, the therapy regimens may differ depending on the severity of the disorder, as well as, based on where it is being treated.

Houses

Home treatment should be carried out only with the permission of a doctor, since in severe cases, constant monitoring of the patient and the use of specific medications are required.

At home, for seizures, it is recommended to take medicines prescribed by a specialist. Various pain relievers are used to relieve pain.

In addition to drug therapy, the patient is assigned a diet (dietary food, table No. 5).

In a hospital setting

In the first hours of an attack, the patient is prescribed intravenous administration of medicinal solutions, the action of which is aimed at normalizing blood pressure and replenishing lost fluid.

For severe inflammatory reactions, various NSAIDs and pain medications are used.

However, the main supportive method of treating exacerbations is adherence to prophylaxis and dietary intake.

Physiotherapy is rarely prescribed and only in the absence of exacerbations.

First aid for an attack

At the first signs of an attack, a number of therapeutic measures must be taken to help eliminate or reduce pain and other symptoms of the disease.

First aid:

• apply an ice compress to the affected area;
• it is recommended to stay calm, so you should lie down on the bed;
• in case of severe pain, it is recommended to use an anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs (once);
• in the absence of a therapeutic effect, you can perform a special exercise with a breath holding;
• the patient is strictly prohibited from eating any food; it is also recommended to limit fluid intake;
• in case of attacks of nausea and vomiting, it is necessary to clear the stomach or take special antiemetic drugs.

In the absence of any improvement, you should immediately call home medical assistance.

Effective anti-exacerbation agents

With an exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to adhere to the rules and treatment regimen developed by a specialist. Before taking medications, it is recommended to first consult with your doctor.

Drugs (you need to write groups of drugs, examples of names, how to take)

An exacerbated condition in chronic pancreatitis requires compulsory medication. In this case, the funds are selected by the attending physician according to the severity of the pathology, as well as the presence of concomitant symptoms.

Drug group	Name	Application
Analgesics (pain relievers)	Acetylsalicylic acid	Single dosage - from 40 mg to 1 g. The frequency of admission is 2-6 times a day.
Phenacitin	0.25-0.5 g 2-3 times a day
Antispasmodics	Papaverine	Orally 20-40 mg 2-3 times a day. The break between doses should be at least 4 hours.
Magnesium sulfate	Administered intravenously or intramuscularly. The dosage is calculated individually.
Drugs that inhibit the secretion of the pancreas	Roxatidine	It is taken orally at 75 mg in the morning or 150 mg in the evening. The duration of therapy is no more than 14 days.
Drugs that reduce blood clotting (anticoagulants)	Warfarin	Take 2-10 mg per day
Heparin (injection solution)	When administered intravenously, 5-10 thousand. IU every 4 hours
Enzymes	Pancreatin	Take 2-4 capsules from 3 to 6 times a day. The duration of treatment is from several months to several years.
Creon	The average dosage is calculated based on the patient's body weight - 10-20 thousand. UNIT / kg.
Acid-reducing agents	Rennie	Take 1-2 tablets per day, chewing
Maalox	Take 1-2 tablets 3-4 times a day after meals in 1-2 hours. The duration of the course is 2-3 months.

Also, in addition or in rare cases, antidepressants may be prescribed.

Before using medicines, it is recommended that you read the instructions for their use and study the contraindications.

Traditional methods and recipes, reception schemes

Traditional medicine can be used in combination with medical treatment. In this case, before using this or that remedy, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

Recipes:

• Take 150 g of oat grains and pour cool boiled water (1.2 l). Cook over low heat for 1.3-3 hours. Consume 150 ml before meals. Duration of admission is 2 weeks. Break - 7 days. Then the course is repeated.
• Take 100 g each of lettuce, bean pods, Brussels sprouts and carrots. Transfer everything to a juicer. The mixture is taken 1-2 times a day for 1 month.
• Prepare 50 g of dry rose hips and pour 0.6 liters of boiling water over them. Insist for 1.5 hours. Strain and take several times a day, 150 ml 3 times before meals.
• Buy propolis and grind it to a powdery state. Pour 70% alcohol. Insist for 10 days. Store in a dark place in a shaded container. Consumed 2 times a day (morning and evening). The duration of the course is 3 weeks. Schemes of application: dilute 30 drops in 0.2 l of water.
• Grind 1 kg of fresh lemons in a blender. Add 0.3 kg each of garlic and green parsley to the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly. Drink 1 tsp. 3 knocks in 15 minutes. before eating. It is necessary to store the product in an enamel bowl.

Before using the funds, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

Diet

Exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis (symptoms and treatment depend on the severity of the pathological process) requires mandatory adherence to dietary nutrition.

First of all, the patient is assigned a sparing diet table number 5 according to Pevzner. This will help avoid new attacks and reduce the likelihood of complications. It should be borne in mind that with a chronic course of the disease, it is necessary to adhere to a diet all the time throughout the entire period of the disease.

Allowed and Prohibited Products

Diet food involves limiting the use of certain foods.

Prohibited Products:

• alcoholic drinks;
• fatty fish - salmon, salmon, herring;
• various spices and seasonings;
• mushrooms;
• sausages, smoked meats;
• heavy food - fatty and fried;
• pickles;
• fruits - bananas, dates, grapes;
• chicken eggs;
• legumes - beans, peas;
• green spinach, sorrel, onions;
• meat products - pork, bacon, bacon, bacon;
• canned foods;
• sour juices, carbonated drinks, coffee, kvass, cocoa;
• confectionery and flour products;
• chocolate, creams, desserts.

Allowed Products:

• boiled broths cooked with vegetables;
• various soups made from rice, millet, barley, buckwheat;
• boiled meat (beef);
• milk porridge;
• fruit and vegetable juices;
• boiled poultry or lean fish;
• fruit soups;
• omelette;
• green or herbal teas;
• dairy products - milk, cottage cheese, kefir, milk whey, yogurt.

In the case of the complete exclusion of these products, the risks of relapse are significantly reduced, since malnutrition is one of the most important causes of the development of pathology.

Nutrition rules

Exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis (symptoms and treatment of the disease can only be established by a gastroenterologist) requires compliance with certain rules that will also help reduce the risks of developing aggravated states.

Rules:

• You need to eat regularly, preferably in small portions.
• Food should be chewed thoroughly.
• It is recommended to eat slowly 5-6 times a day.
• Try to avoid quick snacks on the go.
• Avoid overeating.
• Eat only warm.
• The diet should be varied, nutritious and rich in nutrients.

The chances of developing unpleasant symptoms when these rules are followed are negligible.

Sample menu for 3 days

It is recommended that you consult with your doctor or dietitian prior to dieting to help you develop the appropriate dietary regimen.

The first day:

• Breakfast: boiled beef, oatmeal in milk, herbal tea.
• Lunch: vegetable soup, beef pate, soup, dried apple compote.
• Dinner: low-fat boiled fish, herbal or green tea.

Second day:

• Breakfast: mashed potatoes, boiled chicken, herbal tea or jelly.
• Lunch: milk soup, pasta and steamed cutlets, jelly.
• Dinner: manna, rosehip tea.

Day three:

• Breakfast: buckwheat or rice porridge, steamed omelet, green tea.
• Lunch: boiled meat soup, boiled fish, mashed beets.
• Dinner: mashed potatoes, boiled fish pate, kefir.

How long does an exacerbation last and how to avoid relapses

The duration of the aggravated form is from 2 to 8 days, after which the patient's condition stabilizes.

In order to avoid the development of exacerbations, it is recommended to constantly follow a diet and give up bad habits - alcohol consumption, smoking. If necessary, the use of any medications is recommended in advance. consult a doctor, since some medications can be the main cause of the development pathology.

If the disease was caused by any internal disturbances, then the disease should be cured first of all, after which the therapy of pancreatitis is started.

With the development of signs of exacerbations caused by chronic pancreatitis, it is necessary to contact a specialist who will help to quickly stop all symptoms and prescribe in the future a suitable and effective treatment.

Video about pancreatitis

Treatment + diet for pancreatitis: