Symptoms and signs of pancreatitis in women, where does it hurt?

Pancreatitis in women. Symptoms identified by doctors.

Inflammation of the pancreas is the result of pathological changes in the body.
Gastroenterology disorders lead to the formation of a primary or secondary etiology. The causes of female pancreatitis are inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts) causes purulent inflammation of the tissues, which provokes the onset of the disease.

The disease has two types: acute and chronic.

Attention! Here is useful information for women: https://protrakt.ru/pankreatit/

Reasons for the development of pancreatitis in women

1. Pregnancy;
2. Hyperparatiosis;
3. Viral mumps disease;
4. Hyperlipemia disorder;
5. Use of hormonal corticosteroid drugs;
6. Hereditary predisposition;
7. Infectious viral diseases;
8. Alcohol intoxication;
9. Drug poisoning;
10. Cholelithiasis;
11. Changes in metabolism.

Pathological changes in the body affect not only the weaker sex. Men are susceptible to rapid development of tissue necrosis.

The main reason is the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Important! Here is an important description for men: https://muzcina.ru/pankreatit.html

The chronic form of the disease refers to frequent symptoms of pancreatitis of the pancreas. Vomiting signals an exacerbation of the pathological condition of the gastrointestinal tract. The pancreatic epithelial cell reduces insulin production, creating high concentrations of glucose in the blood. There is a risk of diabetes mellitus.

Poor nutrition in children causes gastrointestinal problems. Which leads to the appearance of diseases of the gallbladder and nearby organs.

The initial signs of pancreatitis in women of the first phase consist of painful attacks of wave-like action. The period of exacerbation begins with sharp impulses. The pain suddenly subsides.

Signs of pancreatitis in women of the second phase disrupt the functioning of the pancreas. Symptoms begin gradually to appear, causing constant pain. The structural component of the cell changes. The course of the disease progresses with severe symptoms.

There is a basic clinical picture of the disease related to the symptoms of pancreatitis of the pancreas in women. The first indicators appear in the form of attacks and stomach colic, shock, collapse.

Manifested by the following diseases

• Painful attacks under the right hypochondrium;
• The pain radiates to the back area;
• Attacks of vomiting and nausea;
• Bloating, loose stools;
• High temperature greater than 38° C;
• Girdle pain around the body;
• Change in skin color (pallor);
• Facial features change.

Signs of pancreatitis in women appear depending on the period of the disease. With an exacerbation, the symptoms indicate the manifestation of pain, but the exact place where the pain is impossible to determine. Such a case requires medical intervention. An accurate diagnosis is established after diagnosis.

Video about the main signs of the disease in both sexes: https://youtu.be/wjWNXFTQ

The first symptoms of pancreatitis in women require immediate treatment. The chronic form is incurable, so early signs are easier to treat.

Clinical manifestations of chronic pancreatitis

It is precisely chronic pancreatitis that appears more often in women than in men. The disease in women occurs against the background of a disorder of the biliary system. For example:

• Inflammatory process.
• Cholangitis.
• Gallstone disease.

Also read: Diagnosis of pancreatitis, patient complaints, examination methods

Women may not immediately suspect that they have pancreatitis, because the pain is dull and periodic in nature, which occurs in the abdominal area. Therefore, even if minor pain occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor.

It is necessary to understand that if the pain syndrome is not relieved in time, this will affect the psycho-emotional state of the woman, this manifests itself in excessive irritation.

Important! If the psycho-emotional state is not corrected, serious psychological illnesses may occur.

In addition to the symptoms described above, also during the chronic course of the disease, a woman experiences dyspeptic disorders. These include:

• Belching.
• An unpleasant taste appears in the mouth.
• Nausea.
• Vomit.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Flatulence.

During the chronic period, severe dizziness is observed, women begin to rapidly lose weight, as there is no appetite, and anemia often occurs.

Interesting information! Some women on forums write that with pancreatitis they experience dry skin and purulent ulcers around the mouth. In fact, dryness can occur, but as far as ulcers are concerned, this is not the case. With pancreatitis, in very rare cases, minor wounds may occur in the corners of the mouth, but not purulent ulcers.

Additional symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include bleeding gums, blurred vision and the development of diabetes.

What is used to treat pancreatitis in women

Treatment consists of preventing tissue necrosis and restoring the functioning of the organ. Help cleanse the gland from the effects of alcohol and drug intoxication.

Conservative methods give high positive results. The first signs must be treated immediately, especially for pregnant girls. Statistics show that 20% of patients are at risk of giving birth prematurely. There is a risk of spontaneous abortion. There is a risk of developing a chronic type in 45% of pregnant women.

The third semester of pregnancy causes fear for the life of the child and the woman in labor. The state of toxicosis will affect the patient’s health. In the case of a purulent abscess, the gynecologist terminates the pregnancy. Surgery is required.

Medicines used for treatment

Painkillers (Drotaverine, Atropine, Ranitidine, Omeprazole).

Producing enzymes (Pancreatin, Mezim, Festal).

Acute pathology is treated in a medical facility. Chronic symptoms without pain are treated at home. After a diagnostic examination, the doctor prescribes conservative therapy.

After consultation with a doctor, use a herbal decoction: chamomile, mint, rose hips, yarrow, calendula, rowan.

Herbal tea: mint, honey, ginger.

Pancreatitis during pregnancy and early postpartum period

The main cause of the development of pancreatitis during pregnancy or in the early postpartum period is diseases of the biliary tract and ischemia of glandular tissue, caused by compression of large vessels by the pregnant uterus. In addition, in this position, women's taste preferences often change, and they can cause the development of this disease.

With increasing gestational age and number of births, the risk of developing chronic pancreatitis increases. According to some statistics, in the first trimester, an exacerbation of the disease is recorded in 24% of women, in the second – in 33%, in the third – in 43%, and 63% of cases were detected in multiparous women.

In the early stages of pregnancy, chronic pancreatitis develops in most cases. Its first signs - nausea, vomiting, aversion to certain foods, lack of appetite - are usually mistaken for toxicosis. In such cases, in order to make a correct diagnosis, a woman must undergo a comprehensive examination to find out the cause of the symptoms that appear and prescribe timely treatment for the disease, which can lead to pregnancy complications and failure.

The development of an acute attack of pancreatitis during pregnancy is especially dangerous. It can significantly complicate pregnancy and lead to serious complications. The severity of symptoms during an attack during pregnancy can vary. If only swelling of the pancreas is present, then the signs of inflammation are less pronounced. And with the development of hemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis, the attack is very difficult.

In most patients, the attack is accompanied by the sudden appearance of girdling pain in the upper abdomen or in the left hypochondrium. They can be cramping or constant. Often the pain syndrome is so severe that the pregnant woman develops collapse or shock.

During pregnancy, painless forms of acute pancreatitis are often observed, accompanied by signs of damage to the central nervous system (confusion and neurological abnormalities), or dyspeptic forms of the attack, consisting of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and flatulence.

Manifestations of pancreatitis in pregnant women must be differentiated from many other diseases:

• Pathologies not related to pregnancy: cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, hepatitis, peptic ulcer, intestinal obstruction, colitis, enterocolitis, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal ischemic syndrome, pyelonephritis, renal colic;
• Pregnancy-related pathologies: early toxicosis, preeclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, HELLP syndrome.

Signs of spontaneous abortion or premature birth that appear against its background can also complicate the diagnosis of pancreatitis during pregnancy. That is why instrumental and laboratory tests should always be carried out to confirm such a diagnosis:

• Ultrasound;
• Blood or urine test for amylase;
• Blood test for lipase, iso-amylase, elastase and trypsin.

Usually, to detect pancreatitis during pregnancy, an ultrasound and a blood test for amylase are performed. Ultrasound examination of the pancreas reveals enlargement of the organ and dilation of the pancreatic duct. And the level of serum amylase increases 4-6 hours after the onset of the disease and reaches its maximum in 1-2 days. After 6 days it returns to normal, but in the presence of complications it can remain hanging for a longer time.

Most experts are of the opinion that a history of pancreatitis is not a contraindication to conception and birth of a child. This is explained by the fact that the disease does not affect fetoplacental blood flow. However, all women with chronic pancreatitis should be registered at the dispensary from the earliest stages of pregnancy and follow all doctor’s recommendations for the prevention of exacerbations and complications.

When the first suspicions or signs of pancreatitis appear, a woman should be hospitalized for a comprehensive examination and drawing up an adequate treatment plan that takes into account all possible contraindications to taking certain medications. In 85% of cases, conservative therapy gives good results.

According to statistics, in the first trimester of pregnancy with pancreatitis, spontaneous abortion can occur in 20% of cases, and premature birth in 16% of patients. With the development of this disease in the third semester, complications in the form of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome are possible, worsening the prognosis of outcomes for both the woman and the fetus. In addition, pancreatitis can contribute to the development of prolonged toxicosis, accompanied by a significant deterioration in the well-being of the pregnant woman.

In severe cases of pancreatitis, in some cases the doctor has to raise the question of terminating the pregnancy. The need for such an extreme measure should be determined jointly by the obstetrician-gynecologist, therapist and surgeon.

The main cause of the disease in women during pregnancy and after childbirth is pathology of the biliary tract. In addition, the disease can also be provoked by ischemia of glandular tissues, which occurs when blood vessels are ruptured and compressed by an enlarged uterus. During pregnancy, patients' taste preferences change, which also causes pancreatitis.

pancreatitis in pregnant women

An acute form of pancreatitis can occur in an expectant mother at any time, but most often it is diagnosed at the end of pregnancy. The disease is predominantly detected in women who initially had problems with the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract or were overweight. During pregnancy, pancreatitis is quite severe and is accompanied by severe pain, skin rashes and disturbances in the digestive system.

The first sign of the disease is girdling pain, which will be spastic or constant. They are closely related to inflammatory processes occurring in the pancreas, or compression of other organs. With pancreatitis, the location of the pain syndrome is the upper abdomen or left hypochondrium. Often it is expressed so strongly that women experience shock.

pregnancy

In some situations during pregnancy, an acute form of the disease is diagnosed, which occurs without pain. With the disease, signs of malfunctions in the central nervous system appear, such as impaired consciousness and neurological problems. In addition, forms of attack are also possible, in which the symptoms of pancreatitis in women are vomiting, increased gas formation in the abdomen, nausea and loose stools.

With swelling of the organ, the pathological process manifests itself dimly, and the attack is characterized by an extremely severe course against the background of hemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis. It is important for the doctor to determine where it hurts in women, because the diagnosis and choice of treatment methods will depend on this.

Many experts say that the presence of pancreatitis in the patient in the past does not serve as a contraindication to pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the pathology does not have any effect on fetoplacental blood flow. At the same time, every expectant mother with chronic pancreatitis needs to register with a doctor as soon as she learns about her pregnancy. In addition, you should strictly adhere to all prescriptions to prevent exacerbation of the inflammatory process and the occurrence of complications.

effect of pancreatitis on pregnancy

When the first manifestations of pancreatitis occur, the patient should immediately consult a doctor and, if indicated, be hospitalized in a medical facility. The woman will have to undergo a thorough examination and, if indicated, effective therapy will be selected for her, taking into account all existing contraindications to taking medications.

Medical practice shows that at the beginning of pregnancy, pathology can result in spontaneous miscarriage or premature birth. If the pathology is diagnosed in the last weeks of pregnancy, then the occurrence of DIC syndrome is possible, which greatly worsens the prognosis for the expectant mother and child.

complication of pancreatitis in women

Pancreatitis is considered a complex and dangerous disease that requires mandatory treatment. If effective therapy is not carried out, there is a high risk of developing various complications that pose a threat to a woman’s life. The most dangerous consequences of this disease are peritonitis, open gastric bleeding, pancreatic shock and brain damage.

Medical practice shows that approximately 15% of patients die from an acute form of inflammation, and in advanced cases with tissue necrosis, this figure reaches 70%. It is for this reason that when the first signs of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate.

How to eat for women with pancreatitis

The pancreas stops producing digestive juice, disrupting the functioning of the body. Excessive consumption of fatty, smoked, spicy foods leads to the formation of primary pancreatitis. Compliance with dietary nutrition helps alleviate the course of the disease.

Consumption of carbohydrates no more than 250–300 g per day, fatty acids 60–85 g. I write to consume it warm 8-9 times a day, in small portions. Chew thoroughly. You should not drink water while eating. Steam food.

What products are allowed

1. Fresh vegetables, salads, fruits;
2. Soups made from vegetables;
3. Lean meats (chicken, beef, fish);
4. Olive, sunflower oil;
5. Low-fat cottage cheese, cheese, kefir;
6. Egg white;
7. Cereal porridges;
8. Fruit drinks, jelly, compote;
9. Sweet varieties of apples;
10. Coarse bread.

A necessary requirement is protein food. The patient should receive 150 grams per day. Steamed lean meat is a prerequisite for protein intake (100 g). The body gets the rest of the protein from plant foods.

It is prohibited to consume fatty, spicy, salty, fried, smoked foods, alcoholic beverages, offal, fatty meats, and lard.

Preventive measures

Diet:

• Limiting spicy, fatty, fried foods, which contribute to irritation of the mucous membranes of the intestines and stomach.
• It is necessary to consume about ninety grams of protein per day, about eighty fats, up to three hundred carbohydrates, while the daily calorie content should not exceed about 2500 kcal.
• It is necessary to include more plant foods and fat-soluble vitamins in the diet; you should consume low-fat soups, vegetable soups, steamed or boiled meat (chicken, rabbit, beef, fish).
• You should take more fruits, you can eat honey, and cottage cheese or other fermented milk products before bed.

• 
  For first courses: you can prepare soups from vegetables and lean meat.

• For the second meat, fish, chicken, turkey, rabbit, boiled or steamed meatballs.
• Products that contain fiber (fruits, vegetables, bread), fermented milk products (cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, low-fat yogurt, fermented baked milk), tea, hard-boiled eggs.
• Do not pass on and eat small portions.

Answer to the question: How to treat diffuse changes in the pancreas? – read here.

Maintaining a normal weight:

• It is necessary to adhere to a diet.
• Eat in small portions, but often.
• Chew food thoroughly.
• You should wash down your food with warm water or tea, but not in large quantities.
• Avoid fatty, fried, spicy foods.

Examination of the abdominal organs when diagnosing pancreatitis is very important, since changes in the structures of other organs can cause the development of pancreatitis.

The following research methods are used:

• Ultrasonography.
• Fibrogastroduodenoscopy.
• CT scan.
• X-ray contrast research methods

Allows you to diagnose concomitant diseases such as:

• Gastritis, duodenitis, gastroduodenitis, cholecystitis, papillitis.
• Stones in the biliary ducts, structural disturbances in the wall of the ducts,
• Damage to atherosclerosis or thrombosis of the arteries that supply blood to the gland and others.

Read about herbal remedies for pancreatitis of the pancreas here.

Physical activity for women with pancreatitis

Gymnastic exercises and physical activity benefit patients. Exercises should be done in moderation, using weights carefully. Excessive pressure can affect stones in the gallbladder or duct. Movement provokes sharp pain. In this case, surgical intervention is a mandatory procedure.

Intense abdominal training is contraindicated. Yoga, walking, swimming, walking, exercise, gymnastics, Pilates have a positive effect.

The video will tell you what exercises will help restore pancreatic function:

Early diagnosis ensures future health security. The chronic type cannot be cured. The sooner treatment is started, the higher the chances of a full recovery.

general information

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas tissue that is not associated with infection.

The pancreas is an organ of the endocrine system located under the left rib, just behind the stomach.

This gland performs a mixed function. In the digestive system, the pancreas is an integral component.

This organ produces pancreatic juice (exocrine function), which is rich in pancreatin (an enzyme of protein origin that improves digestion in the gastrointestinal tract).

The intrasecretory function (endocrine) of the pancreas is the production of its own hormones, insulin and glucagon, by the cells of special islet areas.

These hormones are responsible for the amount of glucose in the blood. (Insulin reduces the amount of glucose, glucagon increases its content).

There are two forms of pancreatitis: acute and chronic (when exacerbations occurred two or more times).

Causes and symptoms of pancreatitis in women

The main reasons for the development of pancreatitis in women:

• untimely nutrition;
• alcoholism (this reason is characteristic of men in 75% of cases);
• diseases of the gallbladder and its excretory ducts (these include: cholangitis, cholelithiasis, bile duct insufficiency, duodenal tumors);
• stomach ulcer;
• duodenal ulcer;
• viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and hepatitis C).

The symptoms of pancreatitis in women are no different from those in men.

The main symptoms of pancreatitis in women:

1. Pain. The pain is usually in the form of a belt around the body. It is localized in the upper abdomen along the nerve fibers, the pain impulse passes from the left hypochondrium, through the epigastrium (the area where the stomach is located), then to the right hypochondrium (the location of the liver), and to the back area (the lower corners of the shoulder blades and interscapular spaces). Sometimes the pain syndrome during exacerbation of pancreatitis can be confused with an attack of angina pectoris (squeezing, burning, bursting pain in the heart spreading to the left arm, lower jaw and neck). The pain intensifies one and a half to two hours after irrational eating, hypothermia, or drinking alcoholic beverages. During an attack, patients cannot find a place for themselves; any sudden movement or uncomfortable position only intensifies the pain.
2. Nausea. Constantly accompanies the patient during an exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis due to non-compliance with the diet. Nausea and abdominal discomfort often progress to vomiting.
3. Vomit. This is a type of dyspeptic manifestations (complications of the gastrointestinal tract). Vomiting usually occurs one and a half to two hours after eating or on its own. The resulting condition does not bring relief. The nature of the vomiting discharge is without blood impurities, but with particles of food unprocessed by digestive juices. This occurs due to insufficient production of pancreatic juice by the inflamed organ. Pancreatin promotes the breakdown of food, and pancreatic juice increases the contractile activity of the stomach, promoting the further advancement of the food bolus.
4. Stool disorders. As a rule, pancreatitis manifests itself as constipation, which progresses to diarrhea. In this disease, feces are formed, with particles of undigested food and white fatty inclusions due to a lack of the lipase enzyme in the pancreatic juice. Feces are poorly washed off the walls of the toilet; this phenomenon is called steatorrhea. Lipase promotes the breakdown of fats into its components: glycerol and fatty acids, which improves their digestion and absorption. These processes are accompanied by impaired absorption of water, which is manifested by diarrhea. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration of the body, since a large amount of substances, minerals, and salts of various metals useful to the body are removed with water.
5. Losing weight . Due to the lack of enzymes and insufficient production of pancreatic juice, food entering the body from outside is poorly absorbed, as a result of which little reserves of fat and various nutrients are deposited in the subcutaneous fatty tissue.
6. Bloating (flatulence). This is one of the common symptoms of pancreatitis. Flatulence occurs due to the predominance of fermentation processes in the intestines. These processes arise due to insufficient secretory activity of the pancreas. During fermentation, a huge amount of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas is released, as well as toxic substances that have a toxic effect on the human body, and a huge amount of gases contributes to overstretching of the intestinal wall.
7. Lack of appetite. There are two reasons for a person suffering from this disease to refuse to eat. The first is physiological. Insufficient activity of the pancreas contributes to the receipt of a signal from the digestive system to the hunger center of the brain with its further partial blockade. The second is fear. Patients are “afraid to eat food” due to symptoms such as vomiting, a burning sensation in the chest and stomach area, belching, diarrhea, constipation, or limit themselves to certain foods.

Signs of acute form

An acute attack most often occurs after eating, after 2 hours. It usually hurts behind the sternum, cold sweat may appear, and there is a similarity to myocardial infarction. An attack can also be confused with an attack of urolithiasis or cholelithiasis.

Other symptoms of an attack are:

• nausea, vomiting without a feeling of relief;
• girdling pain;
• elevated temperature;
• dry mouth;
• drowsiness, weakness;
• confusion, agitation, hallucinations;
• high blood pressure can give way to hypotension due to severe intoxication.

Additional signs of pathology may be felt to a minor extent or completely absent. The pain can be localized in the lower back, lower chest, or back. Each subsequent attack is characterized by less intense symptoms.

In women, pain often radiates to the left arm, jaw and neck. The pain can be very severe. In addition to pain, an attack of pancreatitis is characterized by severe nausea followed by repeated vomiting. When there is no food left in the stomach, bile appears in the vomit.

More often with this condition there is diarrhea, bloating, increased gas formation and flatulence. In addition, the pulse quickens, the pressure can drop to critical. The patient needs medical attention, due to vomiting and diarrhea, rapid dehydration occurs, which leads to the skin turning pale or blue, becoming cold to the touch, heavy sweating, and the temperature rising to 38 ° C.

The attack cannot be treated with analgesics and antispasmodics, so hospitalization is urgently needed.

How to determine pancreatitis in women?

1. Diagnosing pancreatitis in women is not as difficult as in men. Women are more attentive to their health, are less exposed to physical labor, are able to eat rationally and properly, and follow a diet.
2. The presence of background (external) diseases (viral hepatitis, biliary dyskinesia, cholelithiasis, duodenal tumors), conditions (chronic alcoholism) and family history.

Laboratory diagnostics:

• complete blood count: leukocytosis and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (indicators of inflammation);
• blood biochemistry: increased levels of amylase (an enzyme indicating the presence of inflammation of the pancreas), liver tests (ALT, AST), glucose (diabetes mellitus often occurs against the background of damage to the pancreas, which is characterized by a decrease in insulin levels and an increase in glucose);
• stool for biochemical research: the stool specimen contains undigested food fibers, a large amount of mucus, fat, and sometimes the presence of bacteria.

Ultrasound diagnostics. An ultrasound examination determines the presence of inflammation in the parenchyma (tissues) of the pancreas; sometimes it is possible that the excretory ducts of the pancreas are compressed by the inflamed tissue.

Life forecast

According to statistics, 15% of patients die from acute pancreatitis in the absence of medical care. If complications occur, such as pancreatic necrosis, 70% of cases are fatal. With timely medical care in acute cases and with further outpatient treatment and proper nutrition, doctors assess the chances of a long life as high.

Inflammation of the pancreas is often diagnosed in people who abuse fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. The first symptoms of pancreatitis in a woman may appear when she is pregnant. Pathology attacks a person, regardless of his age.

Treatment of pancreatitis

Pancreatitis should be treated gradually, stepwise.

Treatment of pancreatitis in women includes the following categories: diet, pathogenetic treatment, symptomatic treatment, elimination of the damaging agent.

1. Elimination of the factor that provokes the development of inflammation. Alcohol, poor diet, stress, increased physical activity.

2 . Dieting. This item includes the mandatory presence of fasting days, 6-7 meals a day in small portions (gentle diet), refusal of fatty, spicy, spicy, fried, smoked and all kinds of junk food.

3. Pathogenetic treatment. This is a therapy aimed at eliminating the source of inflammation. It includes the following drugs:

• Protease inhibitors are drugs that reduce the activity of the pancreas. These include drugs such as: Gordox, Contrikal;
• bile acids and enzymes are substances that improve and facilitate the digestion of food. These drugs include Pancreatin, Creon, Pangrol, Allohol, Panzinorm;

4. Symptomatic treatment:

• Taking painkillers and anti-spasm medications to neutralize (eliminate) pain. These drugs include: Baralgin, No-shpa, Dexalgin, Spazmalgon, Spazgan, Analgin;
• Antiemetics are medications that block the antiperistalsis effect (normalize the movement of food through the digestive tract and prevent it from returning back). These include - Cerucal, Metoclopramide;
• Laxatives. These are medications that improve the peristaltic movements of the digestive tract and normalize the absorption of water and nutrients. Such drugs are available in the form of drops for oral administration, syrups, tablets, and rectal suppositories. These include: Slabilen, Normaze, Duphalact, Senade, Gutalax, Gutasil, Gutlak;
• Antidiarrheals - these drugs have the opposite effect than laxatives and help increase the absorption of water and minerals through diffusion (the transition of substances from a higher concentration to a lower concentration) or simple osmosis (the active process of penetration of substances through the intestinal wall with the expenditure of a large amount of energy). These include: Loperamide, Lopedium, Diara, Imodium;
• Appetite-increasing medications—multivitamins. Of course, the largest amount of vitamins and nutrients comes from fresh fruits, vegetables and berries, but in the winter season, when it is impossible to find a sufficient amount of these products, you should take specially balanced vitamin complexes. These include: Complivit, Duovit, Multitabs, Supradin

Reasons for the development of pancreatitis

According to statistics, women suffer from this disease much less often than men. This is partly due to differences in lifestyle. Thus, women are less likely to suffer from the consequences of poor nutrition and alcohol abuse, which often provoke the development of the disease. But there are other possible causes of pancreatitis in women.

Firstly, pancreatitis often develops against the background of other internal diseases, such as dysfunction of the gallbladder, stomach, duodenum or bile ducts. Diabetes mellitus can provoke the disease. Pancreatitis sometimes becomes a companion to diseased blood vessels, atherosclerosis, hypertension and other similar diseases. Women turn to doctors with symptoms of pancreatitis after a viral infection or helminthic infestation. Disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas may be manifestations of allergies or a tendency to it. And if a person did not suffer from the above diseases, he could inherit pancreatitis.

Secondly, symptoms of pancreatitis in a woman can be caused by certain stresses in the body, such as poisoning. Disruption of the pancreas can be a consequence of surgery. In some women, signs of pancreatitis appeared during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Thirdly, the development of this disease is often facilitated by a woman’s negative habits and poor lifestyle. Thus, eating large amounts of food cooked with excessive amounts of fat or deep-fried will be a prerequisite for the development of this disease. Another cause of symptoms is frequent drinking of alcohol. Disorders of the pancreas can be caused by frequent stress or the use of certain medications.

Among the huge list of reasons, doctors identify several main ones that most often lead to pancreatitis:

• alcohol (40% of cases);
• gallbladder problems (30%);
• poor nutrition;
• smoking;
• pregnancy;
• drug abuse.

Important information: Attack of pancreatitis: symptoms and what to do?‍⚕️

Diagnosis of pancreatitis first involves looking for common symptoms of the disease. Depending on the type of illness, other signs may appear that help determine the nature of its course: acute or chronic.

What will happen if pancreatitis is not treated?

• Pancreatic necrosis (a deadening lesion of the pancreas tissue);
• Gastrointestinal bleeding (occurs when the pancreatic capsule ruptures);
• Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. This complication occurs due to insufficient intake of pancreatic secretion, which has a neutralizing effect on the hydrochloric acid of gastric juice. Thus, gastric juice damages the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, causing ulcerative defects and erosions.
• A pancreatic abscess is a limited cavity formation with pus;
• Phlegmon of the pancreas is a diffuse purulent inflammation of the tissues of the organ;
• Peritonitis is purulent inflammation in the abdominal cavity. This process occurs when the pancreatic capsule ruptures or tears with the spread of blood and purulent fluid from the inflamed tissues of the organ into the abdominal cavity.

The conclusion should be drawn: it is necessary to be attentive and sensitive to your health, listen to the symptoms of the disease, observe the rationality of food intake and adhere to proper nutrition, avoid increased physical activity, treat acute diseases and prevent relapses (recurrence of the disease again) of chronic diseases, be able to balance the regime day.

You should take care of your health, for which it will only thank you!

Pancreatitis - what is it?

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process in the tissues of the pancreas. The organ is located on the left, under the ribs, performs a digestive function and is an integral part of the body's endocrine system.

The main digestive function of the pancreas is to produce pancreatic juice, the enzymes of which break down food and ensure its digestion.

Most often, pancreatitis occurs in a chronic form. However, the most dangerous form, in which the severity of symptoms is maximum and there is even a threat to the patient’s life, is the acute stage.

The endocrine function is to produce hormones responsible for the metabolism of glucose in the body - glucagon and insulin.

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis

The acute form of pancreatitis most often occurs after drinking alcoholic beverages or against the background of an attack of hepatic colic. Gallstones, blocking the pancreatic duct, contribute to the disruption of the outflow of its secretions. This condition provokes an increase in the inflammatory process.

The patient suffers from intoxication and pronounced symptoms, namely:

• attacks of nausea;
• severe vomiting, painful and not bringing a feeling of relief;
• intense pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the chest and back;
• abdominal muscle tension;
• abdominal pain after eating fatty foods;
• increased body temperature;
• rapid heartbeat;
• low blood pressure.

If an acute form of pancreatitis is suspected, emergency doctors hospitalize the patient for further diagnosis and therapy.

Causes of the disease

Pancreatitis occurs for the following reasons:

• neglect of the principles of proper nutrition, snacking on dry food, fasting, overeating;
• alcohol abuse;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• viral hepatitis B or C;
• diseases of the biliary system.

Reactive changes in the pancreas at the initial stage may not manifest themselves acutely. For this reason, the patient, unaware of the developing pathological process, continues to lead an incorrect lifestyle, thereby aggravating his health condition. This may cause more severe consequences.

Diet

When the pancreas is inflamed, it is important to adhere to a special diet. The right diet can keep a person’s condition under control and avoid another attack of exacerbation.

The diet should be balanced, with a high content of minerals and vitamins, and a small percentage of fat. The portion should be small. During the acute phase of pancreatic inflammation, it is extremely important to adhere to a special diet, since some foods provoke complications.

In severe cases, a special probe is installed in the patient. A long thin tube through the nose and the esophagus reaches the duodenum. In case of exacerbation of pancreatic inflammation, experts recommend creating a daily diet based on:

• chicken fillet, fish, veal and rabbit;
• vegetables;
• peaches, sweet apples (baked), apricots;
• freshly squeezed juice;
• plenty of clean drinking water.

Proper nutrition will help prevent another attack

Any food should be baked in the oven, boiled or steamed.

Symptoms of pancreatitis in women

Symptoms of the disease do not always appear acutely and may be vague

The disease makes itself felt with many symptoms that are difficult to ignore:

1. Girdle pain. This is the main and first sign of the disease. Its localization is difficult to determine; it affects the upper abdomen, left and right hypochondrium, extending to the back and into the interscapular region. The pain intensifies 1.5-2 hours after eating or immediately after drinking alcohol.
2. Nausea. It is observed in the acute stage of the disease in adults and children. A patient who does not follow the principles of therapeutic nutrition may experience nausea constantly.
3. Vomit. It can occur spontaneously or 1.5-2 hours after eating. The vomit is copious and contains remnants of undigested food.
4. Constipation progressing to diarrhea. First, thick stools with white inclusions and remnants of undigested food are observed. Then it gives way to diarrhea, which occurs due to impaired absorption of water. It leaves the body along with substances necessary for the body. Loose stools over a long period of time lead to dehydration.
5. Poor appetite. The symptom is partly due to the patient's fear of the unpleasant sensations that arise after each meal.
6. Weight loss. Occurs as a result of poor digestion of food and a decrease in the supply of the required amount of nutrients and fats to the body.
7. Flatulence. Undigested food provokes fermentation processes in the gastrointestinal tract, which releases a large amount of gases that stretch the intestines.

Where does it hurt during an attack of pancreatitis?

Pain syndrome occurs:

• In the projection of the navel and paraumbilical region, several centimeters above it in the projection of the pancreas.
• In the left, right hypochondrium.
• In the epigastric region.
• Girdle pain can radiate to the lower back, left shoulder, or left half of the body.
• The pain is intense and constant.
• There may be tenderness in the left corner between the twelfth rib and the erector spinae muscle.

Read about what medications to relieve inflammation of the pancreas here.

Diagnostic methods

Timely detection of the disease is complicated by the presence of background ailments, such as hepatitis, alcoholism, and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The main method for diagnosing pancreatitis in adults and children is laboratory. The patient is prescribed a general and biochemical blood test and ultrasound.

Blood is donated on an empty stomach; it is first recommended to follow a gentle diet.

In the CBC with pancreatitis, signs of inflammation of the pancreas are observed - leukocytosis and increased ESR. In a biochemical blood test, glucose, amylase, AST and ALT levels are higher than normal. Feces contain fat, mucus, bacteria, and undigested dietary fiber in quantities above the permissible norm.

Based on the test results obtained, the following diagnostic procedures are prescribed:

• Ultrasound of the organ, which can determine the presence of an inflammatory process in the tissues;
• CT scan of the pancreas will allow you to most accurately determine the localization of the pathological process;
• laparoscopy - is rarely used and is mainly used in cases where ultrasound fails to localize the focus of the pathological process in the gland.

All these methods allow you to accurately make a diagnosis, determine the stage of development of the disease, and the location of the affected area.

Treatment begins with eliminating the factors that provoke the disease.

Therapy for different forms of pancreatitis differs, but generally follows the same scheme.

Treatment for pancreatic disease includes:

1. Relieving stress from the gastrointestinal tract. It is necessary to eat a special diet, eliminate fatty foods, and reduce physical activity. For adults, the main condition is abstinence from alcohol.
2. Organization of constant proper dietary nutrition. Completely exclude spicy, smoked, salty and fried foods from your diet. Eat 5-7 times a day, arrange fasting days.
3. Medical assistance in organizing the proper functioning of the pancreas with the help of drugs. Protease inhibitors will help reduce organ activity, and enzymatic agents and bile acids will help improve digestion.
4. Relief of pain in acute pancreatitis. Antispasmodics based on drotaverine and analgin work well.
5. Stopping gagging. Antiemetics help food move through the digestive tract in the right direction, preventing it from returning and causing nausea.
6. Normalization of intestinal function. Drugs are prescribed to relieve symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Taking vitamins. Thanks to vitamin and multivitamin complexes, fresh vegetables and fruits, the body’s recovery is accelerated and appetite returns.

All medications are prescribed by a doctor based on diagnostic data and the individual characteristics of the patient. Self-medication is unacceptable and can only temporarily mask the symptoms and erase the clinical picture of the disease.

A prerequisite for the appearance of the first signs of the disease is the organization of dietary nutrition and abstinence from alcohol.

Signs

General signs of pancreatitis include the following manifestations of this disease:

• Intense (sometimes constant) pain in the left hypochondrium or the entire anterior abdominal area;
• Radiation of pain to the shoulder blade or back;
• nausea and vomiting (uncontrollable during an acute attack or exacerbation);
• Dyspeptic disorders (diarrhea turning into constipation, flatulence);
• Temperature rise above 38 °C.

It is definitely impossible to answer the question “where does it hurt” with pancreatitis, since the area of ​​localization of pain largely depends on the location of inflammation on the pancreas and the stage of the disease. Painful sensations in this disease are the first symptoms and are almost always associated with eating food or alcohol, or smoking. They begin 30-40 minutes after exposure to the provoking factor. Often an attack of pancreatitis begins at night.

Acute pancreatitis

According to statistics, acute pancreatitis is more often observed in men, and in women it is often especially severe.

The main areas of localization of pain in acute pancreatitis are:

• Left hypochondrium;
• Center of the epigastric region.

The pain is usually burning and unbearable. They intensify when trying to lie on your back and are not eliminated in the side position or in the “fetal position.” A decrease in pain can be observed in a sitting position with the body tilted forward.

In some cases, there is an abnormal localization of pain - it resembles an angina attack, is felt in the left half of the chest and radiates to the left arm, lower jaw or neck. In such cases, it is possible to make a correct diagnosis after conducting studies confirming the pathology of the heart or pancreas.

Sometimes the abnormal pain syndrome during pancreatitis is expressed in the appearance of acute pain, such as renal colic, in the navel area or only in the back. If they appear, you should definitely call an ambulance, and only specialists will be able to determine the cause of their appearance after conducting a series of additional examinations in a hospital setting.

1.5-2 hours after the onset of pain, the patient develops other signs of pancreatitis:

• Nausea and uncontrollable vomiting that does not bring relief
• Diarrhea;
• Belching air;
• Bloating;
• Flatulence;
• Coated tongue;
• Temperature rise above 38 °C;
• Decreased urination;
• Marked weakness;
• Pallor;
• Cold clammy sweat;
• Rapid pulse;
• Decreased blood pressure (to the point of shock).

In rare cases, an attack of acute pancreatitis in women is accompanied by the appearance of jaundice.

When attacks occur caused by exacerbations of chronic pancreatitis, all the characteristic symptoms of acute inflammation of the pancreas are less pronounced. As a rule, the pain syndrome is less pronounced with each repeated exacerbation. In addition, the area of ​​pain localization also changes:

• Lower chest;
• Upper or middle part of the abdominal wall;
• Back (without irradiation to other areas);
• Lower back (encircling or “left half-belt” type).

The most common causes of chronic pancreatitis in women are diseases of the biliary system (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cholangitis) or alcoholism.

In the chronic course of pancreatitis, which is more often observed in women, pain in the abdominal area becomes less pronounced, is dull in nature and appears only periodically. As a rule, they arise and intensify after violations of the diet prescribed by the doctor. In some severe cases - after necrosis of a large area of ​​the gland - the pain disappears completely.

Frequent pain in chronic pancreatitis negatively affects the psycho-emotional state of patients. Women become overly irritable and suspicious. In the absence of adequate correction of this condition, mental illness may develop.

In addition to these manifestations of the disease, the following symptoms are observed:

• Dyspeptic disorders: belching, unpleasant taste in the mouth, heaviness in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, sensations of transfusion in the abdomen, flatulence, diarrhea followed by constipation;
• Loss of appetite and weight loss (this makes weight gain more difficult);
• The appearance of small angiomas on the body;
• Dizziness and general weakness;
• Anemia;
• Skin changes: dry skin and hair, wounds in the corners of the mouth

A lack of calcium in the body, caused by indigestion, can provoke bleeding gums, and insufficient absorption of vitamins can lead to a sharp deterioration in vision. In some cases, constant inflammation of the gland and damage to the islets of Langerhans lead to the development of diabetes mellitus.

Acute pancreatitis

When the gland is inflamed, it is quite problematic to determine where it hurts, since the discomfort spreads throughout the entire abdominal area. The first sign of pancreatitis in women is severe pain and it usually always appears after eating, smoking or drinking alcohol.

Symptoms of pancreatitis in women appear gradually, and the disease progresses against the background of constantly recurring painful attacks. The disease is considered recurrent if less than six months have passed since the activity of the inflammatory process on the pancreas.

Acute pancreatitis

In acute pancreatitis, the area of ​​localization of pain becomes the central area of ​​the abdomen or on the left under the rib. They are quite pronounced and cause a woman severe discomfort, but getting rid of them is not so easy. When lying down or on the side, the intensity of the pain may intensify, and the woman’s condition can be slightly alleviated only by sitting, tilting the body slightly forward.

Sometimes pancreatitis is characterized by an abnormal location of pain, that is, they are similar to an angina attack. Severe discomfort is felt well in the left part of the sternum and spreads to the arm, cervical area and lower jaw. It is possible to establish an accurate diagnosis for such a clinical picture with the help of thorough studies confirming heart or pancreas disease.

In some situations, abnormal pain in the pathological condition of the pancreas manifests itself in the form of acute attacks like renal colic, localized in the umbilical region or back. In such a dangerous condition, a patient with pancreatitis must seek medical help as soon as possible, and only doctors can determine the cause of such pain after a thorough diagnosis.

Consequences of the disease

In adults, the main cause of acute pancreatitis may be the consumption of alcoholic beverages in large quantities.

Women have a more correct lifestyle and attitude towards their own health, but sometimes they do not pay due attention to treatment. In this case, complications occur and more serious and dangerous diseases develop:

1. Necrosis of pancreatic tissue. The cells of the organ die without the possibility of recovery.
2. Internal bleeding resulting from ruptures of the organ capsule and the impact of aggressive secretions on nearby vessels, organs and tissues.
3. Ulcers, erosions of the stomach and duodenum. Lack of pancreatic secretion has a detrimental effect on the digestive organs.
4. Abscess of organ tissue with the formation of a purulent focus.
5. Phlegmon of an organ, in which a purulent inflammatory process spreads.
6. Peritonitis. The most dangerous consequence of pancreatitis. The gland capsule ruptures and the contents spill into the abdominal cavity. Immediate surgical intervention is required, otherwise death may occur. Even surgery does not guarantee recovery in this case.

The risk of such consequences can be reduced if you seek medical help in a timely manner and accurately follow all doctor’s instructions.

Prevention

Exacerbation of pathology and its occurrence can be prevented. To this end, medical experts have developed a number of recommendations. First of all, it is important to eliminate bad habits.

Alcoholic drinks, fatty, fried and spicy foods and smoking should forever remain a thing of the past. Proper nutrition will help avoid the occurrence of cholelithiasis, which often provokes the development of the acute phase of inflammation of the pancreas.

It is important to exercise several times a week. Eliminate constant nervous shock and be resistant to stressful situations. In some cases, doctors recommend removing the gallbladder, since gallstone pathology very often provokes pancreatitis.

This risk increases with age, so it is better to agree to surgery. When visiting a doctor, it is important to accurately show the specialist where it hurts and the nature of the pain.