Digestive Disorders Health Center
The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and next to the small intestine. The pancreas does two main things: It releases powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid the digestion of food. It releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body control how it uses food for energy. Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatic damage happens when the digestive enzymes are activated before they are released into the small intestine and begin attacking the pancreas. There are two forms of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation that lasts for a short time. It may range from mild discomfort to a severe, life-threatening illness. Most people with acute pancreatitis recover completely after getting the right treatment. In severe cases, acute pancreatitis can result in bleeding into the gland, serious tissue damage, infection, and cyst formation. Severe pancreatitis can also harm other vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas. It most often happens after an episode of acute pancreatitis. Heavy alcohol drinking is another big cause. Damage to the pancreas from heavy alcohol use may not cause symptoms for many years, but then the person may suddenly develop severe pancreatitis symptoms. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis: Upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back; it may be aggravated by eating, especially foods high in fat. Fever Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis: The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis are similar to those of acute pancreatitis. Patients frequently feel constant pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back. I Continue reading >>
5 Signs Your Pancreas Is In Trouble | Men's Health
Quick, say the first thing that pops into your head when you read the word pancreas. If you said cancer , youre not alone. Most people only think about their pancreas when they hear about pancreatic cancerwhich is the deadliest form of cancer in terms of 5-year survival rates. Part of the reason survival rates are so low is that identifying pancreatic cancer early is difficult, says Andrew Hendifar, M.D., co-director of pancreas oncology atCedars-Sinai Medical Centerin Los Angeles. Early detection is also tough when it comes to non-cancerous pancreas problems, saysTed Epperly, M.D., president of Family Medicine Residency of Idaho. Tucked deep in your abdomen, your pancreas is a long, flat organ that produces enzymes and hormones that aid in digestion. While symptoms of pancreas issues can be finicky, both Dr. Epperly and Dr. Hendifar say there are a handful of warning signs that warrant a call to your doctor. (For more advice on how to keep your entire body operating in prime condition, subscribe to the Daily Dose the newsletter from Mens Health.) Continue reading >>
The Connection Between Diabetes And Your Pancreas
A direct connection exists between the pancreas and diabetes. The pancreas is an organ deep in your abdomen behind your stomach. It’s an important part of your digestive system. The pancreas produces enzymes and hormones that help you digest food. One of those hormones, insulin, is necessary to regulate glucose. Glucose refers to sugars in your body. Every cell in your body needs glucose for energy. Think of insulin as a lock to the cell. Insulin must open the cell to allow it to use glucose for energy. If your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t make good use of it, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, leaving your cells starved for energy. When glucose builds up in your bloodstream, this is known as hyperglycemia. The symptoms of hyperglycemia include thirst, nausea, and shortness of breath. Low glucose, known as hypoglycemia, also causes many symptoms, including shakiness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can quickly become life-threatening. Each type of diabetes involves the pancreas not functioning properly. The way in which the pancreas doesn’t function properly differs depending on the type. No matter what type of diabetes you have, it requires ongoing monitoring of blood glucose levels so you can take the appropriate action. Type 1 diabetes In type 1 diabetes the immune system erroneously attacks the beta cells that produce insulin in your pancreas. It causes permanent damage, leaving your pancreas unable to produce insulin. Exactly what triggers the immune system to do that isn’t clear. Genetic and environmental factors may play a role. You’re more likely to develop type 1 diabetes if you have a family history of the disease. About 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. People who ha Continue reading >>
Early Symptoms Of Pancreatic Disease
I hold a Master's degree in exercise physiology/health promotion. I am a certified fitness specialist through the American College of Spots Medicine and an IYT certified yoga teacher. I have over 25 years experience teaching classes to both general public and those with chronic illness. The above allows me to write directly to the reader based on personal experiences. Pancreatic diseases affect thousands of people each year and pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Catching this disease early, especially when the cancer is still treatable, is essential. What Does the Pancreas Do, and Why Is It So Difficult to Examine? Wedged between the stomach and spine in the upper abdomen, the pancreas performs two essential job. It creates enzymes that break down food so it can be digested and it generates essential hormones such as insulin. Its embedded location makes it difficult for doctors to manually examine and feel the organ to determine if its swollen or inflamed. Blood tests can help, but they may also be misleading. The best way to assess the health of the pancreas include CAT (computed tomography) scans, endoscopic ultrasounds, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and even operating to view the organ. But first, patients and doctors have to know that something is wrong. What Can Go Wrong and What Are the Symptoms? There are a number of problems that can affect the pancreas, many of them cause enough pain and discomfort to be noticed quickly. -Acute pancreatitis is a sudden attack that causes severe abdominal pain, as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and fever, according to The National Pancreas Foundation. This can be caused by gallstones, alcohol abuse, and other conditions and it usually goes away after treatment. Continue reading >>
5 Diet Keys For Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Gas, bloating, and stomach pain are among the common complaints of people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a breakdown in pancreatic function resulting in a lack of the digestive enzymes needed to properly digest food. As with many other digestive problems, your diet can either help or hurt you. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for pancreatic insufficiency — you may need to make up for specific vitamin deficiencies, for instance — there are basic diet tips that can help ease the discomfort. Keys to a Pancreatic Insufficiency Diet Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and author of Doctor’s Detox Diet: The Ultimate Weight Loss Prescription,says that a diet tailored to your specific needs is the best way to manage symptoms and ensure you’re getting proper nutrition. As a result, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best pancreatic insufficiency diet for you. Diet recommendations may be different depending on what’s causing your condition or if you’re severely malnourished. But generally, these five strategies can help ease the symptoms and pain of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in most people: 1. Get plenty of fluids. Proper hydration is an important dietary key, Dr. Gerbstadt says. She explains that dehydration puts severe stress on the body and can contribute to symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency. “Hydration is best for prevention and treatment and usually considered the first step before all others,” she says. An easy rule to remember is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day, which can include water, tea, coffee, and even soup broth, because all liquids count toward the daily total. Check with your doctor for more details. 2. Try a low-fat diet. Eating less fat Continue reading >>
Symptoms Of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Everyday Health Digestive Health Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Symptoms of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Many of the symptoms of this rare digestive condition are actually quite common, such as weight loss and digestive problems. Find out more. Sign Up for Our Healthy Living Newsletter Sign up for more FREE Everyday Health newsletters . As soon as you take your first bite of food, your pancreas is hard at work, secreting digestive enzymes that break down food into small molecules your body can absorb as nutrients. But if you have long-term damage to your pancreas because of chronic pancreatitis , alcohol abuse, or other diseases, the digestion process doesnt go so smoothly. A breakdown in pancreatic function called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency , or EPI, means you lack the digestive enzymes needed to properly digest food. As a result, your body cant absorb the nutrients you need, and you can experience digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. During exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats arent broken down, says Deepak Agrawal, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. Because you arent digesting and absorbing the proper nutrients, you can become malnourished. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is relatively rare, because about 90 percent of your pancreas has to be non-functioning or destroyed for it to occur, Dr. Agrawal says. Conditions that can lead to EPI include chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis , celiac disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohns disease , and gastrointestinal surgery in which parts of the pancreas or stomach are removed. Certain digestive diseases, such as stomach ulcers, celi Continue reading >>
Help For Symptoms Of Pancreas Problems And Promoting Pancreas Health
Select a Topic What is the Pancreas? The pancreas is a large organ approximately six inches long and is a key part of the digestive and endocrine systems. It is located deep within the upper abdomen, surrounded by the stomach, small intestine, liver and spleen. This organ is shaped like a pear, broad at one end and narrow at the other end. It is divided in three sections – the broad end of the pancreas is called the head, the midsection is called the body and the narrow end is called the tail. If pancreas health is compromised a number of serious disorders can occur within the body. Functions of the Pancreas The first function belongs to the exocrine pancreas. The pancreas produces digestive juices and enzymes to help digest fats and proteins. When food has been partially digested by the stomach, it is pushed into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Secreting its enzymes into the duodenum helps to prevent the protein-digesting enzyme known as trypsin from eating the protein-based pancreas or its duct. Pancreatic digestive juices and enzymes are released through a small duct attached to the duodenum to mix with the food. The exocrine pancreas also produces enzymes that break down carbohydrates (amylase) and fats (lipase) as well as sodium bicarbonate which helps to neutralize the stomach acids in food. The second function belongs to the endocrine pancreas. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin together with a variety of other hormones. Insulin helps to control the body’s blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is produced by small groups of pancreatic cells called the Islets of Langerhans, which are also known as the "islet cells" Insulin is secreted when your blood sugar is raised and it causes the muscles and other bodily tissues to take up glucose f Continue reading >>
6 Symptoms Of Pancreas Problems
Home Curiosities 6 Symptoms of Pancreas Problems The pancreas is an indispensable organ for the body. Knowing the symptoms of poor pancreas functioning could help you on several occasions to foresee or prevent more serious problems. Pancreatitis alters a lot of digestive functions and is sometimes associated with bad dietary habits. Wewe will explain more below. The pancreas is situated behind the stomach and is in charge of producing enzymes, like insulin and glucagon, for example. They are necessary for digestion and arrive at the small intestine. From there they promote food synthesis . A change in this organ could produce fairly severe effects. These same enzymes can even turn against the pancreas and can end up attacking it. But lets take a closer look. How do I know if I have a problem with my pancreas? Pain appears in the upper area of the abdomen and behind the stomach. Remember that this discomfort appears only on the left side of the body, under the ribs, and feels like burning. This pain could be more clear just after eating or even after drinking. It is even more pronounced if you have eaten foods high in fat. This pain could begin the day after a meal, it could last for several days and could even increase in intensity. The pain is more intense when you lay face up. The pancreas feels squeezed and the pain is more acute. The pain radiates from behind the back or behind the left shoulder blade. The enzymes that attack the pancreas produce inflammation and consequently, having a fever is quite normal. When you feel pain or discomfort, do not forget to take your temperature. If your temperature is elevated by a few degrees, see your doctor. Your doctor is the only one who can rule out any problems and he/she can answer your questions. They symptoms can someti Continue reading >>
Other Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms in the early stages. This can make it hard to diagnose early. But as the cancer grows, it may start to cause symptoms. These will depend on the type of pancreatic cancer and where it is in the pancreas. The symptoms and how bad they are can vary for each person. It’s important to remember that symptoms described here can be caused by more common things, such as indigestion or heartburn. They can also be caused by conditions such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, or hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). These symptoms don’t necessarily mean that someone has pancreatic cancer. But if you have any symptoms that you’re worried about it’s important that you see your GP. What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer? The most common type of pancreatic cancer is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The information here is about the symptoms of PDAC. There are also rare types of pancreatic cancer called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) of pancreatic cancer. They may cause some of the symptoms here, as well as some different symptoms. Read more about the symptoms of PNETs. The symptoms of PDAC can be quite vague and may come and go to begin with. Common symptoms include abdominal (tummy) and back pain, unexplained weight loss, and indigestion. Other symptoms include: changes to bowel habits – including steatorrhoea (pale, smelly stools (poo) that may float), diarrhoea (loose watery stools) or constipation (problems opening your bowels) jaundice (yellow skin and eyes, and itching) nausea and vomiting (feeling and being sick) You may find it helpful to have a look at our diagram of the pancreas and surrounding organs when reading the informa Continue reading >>
Frequently Asked Questions About Pancreatic And Biliary Diseases
What is the pancreas? It is a "silent," solid organ positioned behind the stomach in the upper part of the abdomen. The body's main digestive organ, the pancreas is composed of different cells that serve distinct functions. Some cells produce digestive "juices" or enzymes, while the others produce hormones. The pancreatic enzymes break down the three types of nutritional elements: protease digests proteins; lipase digests fat; and amylase digests carbohydrates. Once manufactured, the digestive enzymes empty into channels (ducts), eventually draining into the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Food that passes through the duodenum stimulates the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. The most important hormone the pancreas produces is insulin, which controls the amount of glucose in our bloodstream. When an insufficient amount of insulin is secreted, the body's cells are unable to take in glucose, which raises glucose levels in the bloodstream and may ultimately lead to diabetes (though it is not the principal cause of diabetes). In addition to insulin, the pancreas makes other hormones, all of which pass into the blood that flows through the organ (not through the ducts used by the enzymes). What are the most common problems that affect the pancreas? Normally the pancreas does not cause us much trouble, but when it does, the symptoms can be quite bothersome and, in some cases, fatal. Pancreatitis is the most common pancreatic condition, categorized as either acute and chronic. In acute pancreatitis the organ suddenly becomes swollen and releases digestive juices into the bloodstream. Depending on how severe it is, acute pancreatitis can cause pain, fever, shortness of breath or kidney problems, among other symptoms. In rare cases death may result fr Continue reading >>
5 Warning Signs Your Pancreas Is In Trouble
5 Warning Signs Your Pancreas Is In Trouble The symptoms can be tricky to spot - but important to recognise Quick, say the first thing that pops into your head when you read the word pancreas. Most people only think about their pancreas when they hear about pancreatic cancer - which is the deadliest form of cancer in terms of 5-year survival rates. Part of the reason survival rates are so low is that identifying pancreatic cancer early is difficult, says Dr Andrew Hendifar, co-director of pancreas oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Early detection is also tough when it comes to non-cancerous pancreas problems, says Dr Ted Epperly,president of Family Medicine Residency of Idaho. Tucked deep in your abdomen, your pancreas is a long, flat organ that produces enzymes and hormones that aid in digestion. While symptoms of pancreas issues can be finicky, both DrEpperly and DrHendifar say there are a handful of warning signs that warrant a call to your doctor. PANCREAS PROBLEM #1: YOUR POOP LOOKS FUNNY If you notice your stool is light coloured and floating, thats a sign of poor nutrient absorption. The enzymes your pancreas produces help you digest fats in your diet, DrHendifar explains. Along with breaking down fats, your pancreas helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K, he says. When pancreatic disease messes with your organs ability to properly manufacture those enzymes, your stool looks paler and becomes less dense. You may also notice your poop is oily or greasy. The toilet water will have a film that looks like oil, DrHendifar says. Thats the dietary fat your body failed to break down, he explains. If you notice your poop looks funky now and then, thats no reason to freak out. But if all or most of your poops have these characte Continue reading >>
Enlarged Pancreas: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments
Enlarged Pancreas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments An enlarged pancreas can occur for many reasons. The pancreas is a gland that sits behind your stomach in the upper abdomen and helps with digestion. It produces enzymes that are secreted into the small intestine, digesting protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The pancreas also produces insulin to help regulate blood sugar (glucose), the body's main source of energy. An enlarged pancreas may mean nothing. You may simply have a pancreas that is larger than normal. Or, it can be because of an anatomic abnormality. But other causes of an enlarged pancreas may include the following: Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes become active inside the pancreas, attacking and damaging its tissues. This can cause an enlarged pancreas. Acute pancreatitis is inflammation that occurs suddenly in the pancreas. It can be very serious, even life-threatening. But it usually goes away within a few days of treatment. Gallstones and alcohol are common causes of acute pancreatitis. Other causes include high levels of fats in the blood , certain drugs, certain medical procedures, and some infections. Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation that gets worse over time and leads to permanent damage in the pancreas. Heavy alcohol use is the most common cause. Other causes include heredity, cystic fibrosis , high levels of calcium or fats in the blood , certain medications , and some autoimmune conditions. Pancreatic pseudocyst is an accumulation of fluid and tissue debris in the pancreas, which can occur after a case of pancreatitis. Cystadenoma is a tumor that is usually benign. Abscess is a pus-filled cavity, usually caused by a bacterial infection . A pancreatic pseudocyst that becomes infected can become an abscess. Pancreatic cancer is an abnor Continue reading >>
Pancreatitis Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Prevention, Tests
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas , an organ in your belly that makes the hormones insulin and glucagon . These two hormones control how your body uses the sugar found in the food you eat. Your pancreas also makes other hormones and enzymes that help you break down food. Usually the digestive enzymes stay in one part of the pancreas . But if these enzymes leak into other parts of the pancreas, they can irritate it and cause pain and swelling. This may happen suddenly or over many years. Over time, it can damage and scar the pancreas. Most cases are caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse . The disease can also be caused by an injury, an infection, or certain medicines. Long-term, or chronic, pancreatitis may occur after one attack. But it can also happen over many years. In Western countries, alcohol abuse is the most common cause of chronic cases. In some cases doctors don't know what caused the disease. The main symptom of pancreatitis is medium to severe pain in the upper belly. Pain may also spread to your back. Some people have other symptoms too, such as nausea , vomiting , a fever, and sweating . Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms and past health. You may also have blood tests to see if your levels of certain enzymes are higher than normal. This can mean that you have pancreatitis. Your doctor may also want you to have a complete blood count (CBC), a liver test, or a stool test. Other tests include an MRI , a CT scan , or an ultrasound of your belly ( abdominal ultrasound ) to look for gallstones . A test called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram , or ERCP, may help your doctor see if you have chronic pancreatitis. During this test, the doctor can also remove gallstones that are stuck in the bile duct Continue reading >>
Pancreas, Signs Of Poor Function, And Treatments
Source: Patient information: Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms of Poor Pancreatic Function Symptoms of poor pancreatic function (pancreatic insufficiency) do not occur until about 90% of pancreatic function has been lost. The pancreas normally contributes to the digestion of different types of food, the absorption of food breakdown products from the digestive tract, and the metabolism of blood glucose (blood sugar). Symptoms of poor pancreatic function may include symptoms associated with fat malabsorption; significant fat malabsorption results in steatorrhea, (the presence of excess fat in the stools, usually caused by a disease of the pancreas or intestine, and characterized by chronic diarrhea and weight loss), resulting in loose, greasy, foul-smelling stools that are difficult to flush. Symptoms of poor pancreatic function may also include glucose intolerance (high blood glucose after consuming sugar and carbohydrates) and diabetes. If pancreatic function is severely affected, a person may also experience symptoms of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, including weight loss. Carbs Are The Primary Cause of High Triglycerides Source Note: Extremely high triglycerides may result in side effects like pancreatitis. Triglycerides are the chemical form of fat found in foods and in your body. [That doesn’t mean your body makes triglycerides from dietary fats or fatty foods.] When you eat a meal, any unused calories are converted to triglycerides and stored in your fat cells (some triglycerides are also present in your blood stream). Later, they will be released to meet the energy needs of your body. You’ve likely heard of triglycerides before, as there has been intense research over the past 40 years that confirmed that elevated blood levels of triglycerides, known as hypert Continue reading >>
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms & Signs
Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as a “silent cancer” because it is thought that the early symptoms can be vague and unrecognised. Pancreatic cancer symptoms however can present themselves early in many cases. Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for: Classic pancreatic cancer symptoms can include: Painless jaundice (yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, itching). Weight loss which is significant and unexplained Abdominal pain or discomfort which is new-onset and significant Other possible symptoms of pancreatic cancer: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen which is new, that tends to radiate to the back. This is significant and can be persistent but also intermittent, this pain or discomfort can vary between patients. Back pain Diabetes which is new-onset and not associated with weight gain Vague indigestion (dyspepsia) or abdominal discomfort (not responding to prescribed medication) Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Pain when eating Steatorrhea (fatty stools that are often pale and smell foul) Not everyone will have all of these symptoms. For example, those who have a tumour in the body or tail of the pancreas are unlikely to have painless jaundice. All of these symptoms can have other causes, and there is not yet a reliable and easy test for pancreatic cancer. Explanation of the symptoms: Pain or discomfort in the abdomen and upper back Approximately 70 per cent of patients with pancreatic cancer go to the doctor initially due to pain. This pain is often described as beginning in the stomach area and radiating around to the upper back (just above where a woman’s bra strap would be). Generally the reason for the pain is because of the tumour pressing against your abdomen and spine. Jaundice 30% of patients will have yellowing of the skin and Continue reading >>
