Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and running pancreatitis- all this in combination or individually can lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The disease is quite common, occurs in both adults and children of all ages.
The lack of exocrine function is the first step towards diabetes and other, no less dangerous diseases.
Description of the disease
To ensure that food that has got into the digestive system is well digested, proteins and fats are split, and vitamins are absorbed into the blood, special enzymes are required. They are isolated in sufficient quantity by the pancreas. If the normal production of enzymes is disturbed, the amount of useful juices is minimized, then the doctors talk about exocrine insufficiency.
Exocrine insufficiency appears against the backdrop of diseases of the digestive tract, when metabolism is disturbed due to malnutrition. A large load on the pancreas is another factor affecting the production of enzymes. For this reason, doctors at the first signs of pancreatitis require compliance with dietary rules, which include the refusal of fatty foods, in the first place.
Causes of
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can be diagnosed against the background of the following factors:
- Chronic pancreatitis;
- Gastric surgery;
- Idiopathic pancreatitis;
- Hereditary pancreatitis;
- Pancreas resection;
- Tumors;
- Alcoholism.
It should be noted that it is alcoholism that is the most common cause of the development of the deficiency of exocrine function. For example, in the US, the disease is in about 10% of the population. It does not matter the amount of alcohol consumed. The pancreas suffers even from the "symbolically" drunk alcohol. As for people with pathological dependence, the disease threatens in 80% of cases.
Symptoms of the disease
The clinical picture for this disease is clear in most cases. Patients report a disorder of the stool, more often diarrhea. Due to the fact that fats and proteins are not digested, perhaps a sharp weight loss. Painful sensations are strong, forcing the patient to give up the habitual way of life. He tries to lie more on his side.
Pain can be shingled, strongly giving back. It also concentrates in the upper half of the abdomen, left or right side. The pain sometimes becomes so strong that without intramuscular injection the drug does not go away. The patient in this state is hospitalized, which prevents the onset of pain shock.
Exacerbation of the disease occurs after taking alcohol and fatty foods. In this case, a strong deterioration of well-being, vomiting and diarrhea, which do not bring relief.
Complications and consequences
Exocrine insufficiency rarely passes without affecting the pancreas. With frequent exacerbations of pancreatitis against a background of a reduced number of enzymes, a lethal outcome is possible. If the patient was provided with timely assistance, and the disease was diagnosed by a competent specialist, the probability of complications and consequences is minimized.
Dysfunction of the digestive tract leads to gastritis, ulcers, cystic lesions. Somewhat less likely the occurrence of jaundice and a tumor. However, it should not be ruled out that exocrine insufficiency always leads to an exacerbation of pancreatitis, which in itself is dangerous to the human body.
Patients with exocrine insufficiency are regularly monitored for blood sugar levels. The fact is that the inflamed pancreas can not produce insulin in sufficient quantity, and this is a threat of diabetes mellitus.
And another consequence that threatens patients who regularly take narcotic drugs to relieve pain, is addiction to drugs. The body stops struggling with inflammation and pain, demanding another "dose".In this case, seizures become more frequent, pain - stronger. The patient begins to understand that only after taking drugs, the long-awaited relief comes. But narcotic drugs, taken even for medicinal purposes, destroy not only the pancreas, but also other organs.
Treatment of
In order for the exocrine part of the pancreas to function fully, it is necessary to completely abandon alcohol and fatty foods. This will be the first and most important step on the road to recovery. Also, doctors recommend to adhere to a strict diet, include in the diet more food of plant origin, cereals. To normalize the stool and restore normal intestinal microflora, it is worth using dairy products. Just consider that with increased acidity of the stomach, they are not allowed to be used as food.
To normalize the process of digestion of food, substitution therapy is prescribed. It includes enzymes, as well as antispasmodics. With an uncomplicated form of the disease, this is enough.
In complicated forms, exocrine failure is treated only in a hospital setting. Appointed droppers with anesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs. This is especially important with the onset of drug dependence, when the symptoms of acute pancreatitis were shot in an emergency.
The treatment plan is prepared by a specialist after a thorough diagnosis. Types of drugs depend on the stage of the disease and the state of the pancreas.
Self-cure exocrine failure is not possible, requires specialist supervision and regular diagnostics.
Recommendations :
- If you suspect a chronic pancreatitis, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible and undergo a complete examination. In case of confirmation of the diagnosis, a diet is prescribed, which is mandatory for compliance.
- For chronic pancreatitis, you should always follow a diet.
- Preparations with enzymes will help to get rid of the heaviness in the abdomen and the poor state of health when using alcohol or fatty foods. You need to take medication before meals.
- In some cases, enzymes are prescribed for life.
- Patients with chronic pancreatitis and exocrine insufficiency should be checked regularly for blood sugar levels.
- Children of parents with chronic pancreatitis are susceptible to the disease in 60% of cases.
- In pancreatitis, it is recommended to avoid physical activity, including heavy sports.
- In case of stool disruption, it is not recommended to use medications that slow intestinal peristalsis. Diarrhea should be treated from the inside, and it starts with the pancreas. Diarrhea is one of the first symptoms of pancreatitis with insufficient exocrine function.
Exocrine failure is a pancreatic disease that is dangerous for complications. Only timely diagnosis and treatment will prevent pathological changes in the body and the development of diabetes.
