Pancreatitis
Description
Pancreatitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas which may be asymptomatic or symptomatic, and which is due to autodigestion of a pancreatic tissue by its own enzymes. It is caused most often by alcoholism or biliary tract disease.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by necrosis (cell death), suppuration, gangrene, and hemorrhage. Symptoms may include a sudden and intense pain in the epigastric region, vomiting, belching of gas, hiccough, and collapse.
In addition, there may be rigidity and tenderness over the umbilicus, constipation, slow pulse, and the possibility of jaundice.
Causes
Viral infections can cause of acute pancreatitis. The most likely causes, however, are alcohol abuse and gallstones.
Chronic alcohol abuse, naturally, is accompanied by chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis may also be a complication in other disease processes, including hyperlipidemia and hemochromatosis.
Direct trauma can be injurious, while some drugs can also lead to this condition, notably diuretics and antibacterial sulfonamides.
Signs & Symptoms
Acute pancreatitis causes severe upper abdominal pain, often together with nausea and vomiting. The pain may spread to the back. The attack may last for 48 hours. The sufferer may find some relief in a seated position.
Diagnosis is made from digestive enzymes released into the bloodstream. Ultrasound and CAT scans may also be useful.
Chronic pancreatitis shares the same basic picture, although attacks may last even longer (several days) and recur with increasing frequency as the disease progresses.
However, the disease may also be “silent” and overshadowed by diabetes mellitus.
Treatments consist mainly of pain killers.
In severe cases, serious (sometimes potentially fatal) complications include: heart and kidney failure.
The pancreas may be surgically removed.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Immune System Support &
Enzymes
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Calcium | 1,500 mg |
| Magnesium | 1,000 mg |
| Proteolytic Enzymes | |
| Selenium* | |
| Vitamin B Complex | 50 mg tid |
| Vitamin C | 4,000 mg |
| Zinc | 50 mg |
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
A hypoglycemic diet should reduce the load on the pancreas with regard to the production of insulin to moderate blood glucose levels.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Pancreopathy | Leptandra virginica |
| White tongue | Bryonia alba tinct. |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Cedar Berries
Dandelion Root
Echinacea
Gentian Root
Goldenseal
Licorice Root
Pterocarpus marsupium
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Cedar Berries, Echinacea, Gentian Root and Goldenseal are reputed to stimulate and strengthen the pancreas.
Dandelion Root is reputed to stimulate bile production and be beneficial to the pancreas.
Licorice Root supports all endocrine functions.
Pterocarpus marsupium is an Ayurvedic herb.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Eucalyptus Essence, | Geranium Essence, |
| Juniper Essence, | Onion Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Diabetes Mellitus
Gallstone
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcers
References
Bar-David-J: Gestational diabetes complicated by severe hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis. Arch-Gynecol-Obstet. 1996; 258(2): 101-4.
Ciok-J et al: [Role of nutrition in development of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis]. Wiad-Lek. 1993 Aug; 46(15-16): 573-80.
De-Beaux-AC: Flexible approach to nutritional support in severe acute pancreatitis. Nutrition. 1994 May-Jun; 10(3): 246-8; discussion 249.
Dionigi-P et al: [Nutritional support in acute pancreatitis] [Review]. Chir-Ital. 1995; 47(2): 9-13.
Estruch-R: Relationship between ethanol-related diseases and nutritional status in chronically alcoholic men. Alcohol-Alcohol. 1993 Sep; 28(5): 543-50.
Evans-JS: Crohn's disease presenting as chronic pancreatitis with biliary tract obstruction. J-Pediatr-Gastroenterol-Nutr. 1996 May; 22(4): 384-8.
Grimble-RF: Nutritional antioxidants and the modulation of inflammation: theory and practice. New-Horiz. 1994 May; 2(2): 175-85.
Guimbaud R et al., Intraduodenal free fatty acids rather than triglycerides are responsible for the release of CCK in humans. Pancreas, 1997 Jan, 14:1, 76-82.
Hebuterne-X et al: Resting energy expenditure in patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. Dig-Dis-Sci. 1996 Mar; 41(3): 533-9.
Hennessy-K: Nutritional support and gastrointestinal disease. Nursing-Clinics-of-North-America. 1989 Jun; 24(2): 373-82. (17 ref 8 bib)
Jarosz-M et al: [Influence of undernourishment in patients with chronic pancreatitis on amino acid utilization by the pancreas after its stimulation with secretin and cerulein]. Wiad-Lek. 1994 Jan-Feb; 47(1-2): 2-7.
Jmelnitzky-AC: [New suggestions for the management of alcoholic liver diseases]. Acta-Gastroenterol-Latinoam. 1995; 25(2): 73-84.
Kortas-DY & Gates-LK Jr: Vertebral osteomyelitis mimicking chronic pancreatitis. Dig-Dis-Sci. 1996 Jul; 41(7): 1527-9.
Laugier-R: [Classification and clinical presentation of pancreatitis]. Rev-Prat. 1996 Mar 15; 46(6): 683-8.
Layer P et al., Altered postprandial motility in chronic pancreatitis: role of malabsorption. Gastroenterology, 1997 May, 112:5, 1624-34.
Leo-MA et al: Carotenoids and tocopherols in various hepatobiliary conditions. J-Hepatol. 1995 Nov; 23(5): 550-6.
Levraut-J et al: [Effect of postoperative complications on nutritional status: therapeutic consequences]. Ann-Fr-Anesth-Reanim. 1995; 14 Suppl 2: 66-74.
Liu-S et al: [An evaluation of nonsurgical treatment for severe acute pancreatitis]. Chung-Hua-Wai-Ko-Tsa-Chih. 1995 Sep; 33(9): 545-7.
Marulendra-S & Kirby-DF: Nutrition support in pancreatitis [see comments]. Nutr-Clin-Pract. 1995 Apr; 10(2): 45-53.
Nakamura-T et al: Dietary analysis of Japanese patients with chronic pancreatitis in stable conditions. J-Gastroenterol. 1994 Dec; 29(6): 756-62.
Nakamura-T: Changes in plasma fatty acid profile in Japanese patients with chronic pancreatitis. J-Int-Med-Res. 1995 Jan-Feb; 23(1): 27-36.
Nakamura T & Takeuchi T: Pancreatic steatorrhea, malabsorption, and nutrition biochemistry: a comparison of Japanese, European, and American patients with chronic pancreatitis. Pancreas, 1997 May, 14:4, 323-33.
Ren-J: [Role of energy metabolism in nutrition management of critically ill patients]. Chung-Hua-I-Hsueh-Tsa-Chih. 1995 Jun; 75(6): 346-8, 382-3.
Robbins-EG-2nd et al: Pancreatic fungal infections: a case report and review of the literature. Pancreas. 1996 Apr; 12(3): 308-12.
Sigurdsson G: Enteral or parenteral nutrition? Pro-enteral. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand Suppl, 1997, 110:, 143-7.
Simpson-WG: Enteral nutritional support in acute alcoholic pancreatitis. J-Am-Coll-Nutr. 1995 Dec; 14(6): 662-5.
Van Hoozen CM: Efficacy of enzyme supplementation after surgery for chronic pancreatitis. Pancreas, 1997 Mar, 14:2, 174-80.
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