Acute alcoholic pancreatitis: symptoms and treatment

1 Symptomatology and etiology

Alcoholic pancreatitis can occur as a result of chronic alcoholism, and after a single drink. In this case, the quality of alcohol does not matter. Some scientists argue that this disease is a consequence of genetic predisposition.

The cause of alcoholic pancreatitis is a violation of the integrity of pancreatic cells under the influence of toxic products of decomposition of ethyl alcohol and other substances produced by drinking alcoholbeverages. At the same time, edema begins to develop, the gland increases in size and squeezes adjacent organs. This causes strong pain. In addition, there are diarrheal disorders, which manifest themselves in the stasis of the secretion of the pancreas. As a result of such changes, the normal tissue of the gland turns into a connective and overgrown with fat, the endocrine function is disrupted, as a result of which diabetes can develop.

This disease is divided into 2 forms:

1. Acute alcoholic pancreatitis. More common in young men. It develops due to the consumption of alcohol in large quantities( especially in combination with fatty dishes and smoking).
2. Chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. Symptoms of this type of pathology may not appear for a long time. Usually occurs as a result of a long regular reception of alcoholic beverages. May be a consequence of an acute form of the disease.

Symptoms of pancreatitis of alcoholic origin may be as follows:

• flatulence, belching;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting( especially after drinking alcohol or fatty foods);
• painful sensations of the shingles;
• rapid weight loss;
• rapid chair;
• elevated temperature;
• weakness, increased fatigue.

2 Diagnosis and therapy

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to diagnose the illness correctly. For this, the following studies are carried out:

• collection of anamnesis of diseases and complaints of the patient;
• general clinical blood test;
• biochemical blood test;
• general urine analysis;
• general clinical stool analysis;
• cerulein or secretin-pancreosimine test( performed to check the functional activity of the pancreas and the ability of the body to participate in digestion);
• ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity;
• computed tomography of the abdominal cavity;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• X-ray examination of the abdominal cavity;
• endoscopic ultrasonography;
• examination of biliary tract and pancreatic ducts using a flexible probe with a chamber.

Based on the findings, the physician establishes the necessary methods to allow for the most effective treatment. Usually, preparations containing enzymes are prescribed. Analgesics and antiemetics are prescribed to reduce unpleasant symptoms. In addition, as a supportive therapy, a special diet is established, which implies the complete rejection of certain products. In the case of severe disease, surgical intervention and removal of part of the body may be required.

3 Preventive measures

In order to prevent the development of this disease, you must follow the following recommendations:

• adhere to balanced and proper nutrition;
• to quit smoking;
• to exclude alcohol intake, especially in conjunction with fatty foods;
• in time to deal with the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

If you notice any symptoms of this disease, you should immediately consult a doctor. To permanently get rid of alcoholic pancreatitis and not allow the illness to pass into a chronic form, it is necessary to diagnose correctly and timely treatment.