Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, creates terrible, sharp pain just below ribs. Pancreatitis happens digestive enzymes released by the pancrease are activated too soon, and auto-digest the pancreas, damaging the tissues. This is a life-threatening disorder. Pancreatitis can be caused by cystic fibrosis, high triglycerides, hyperparathyroidism, gallstones, smoking, excess alcohol and other causes. When blood levels of calcium are high, the calcium molecules can clump together, forming stones that clog pancreatic ducts, and irritate and scar the pancreas.

Pancreatitis Facts

Pancreatitis simply means inflammation of the pancreas. There are two types of pancreatitis, acute and chronic.
Causes of acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis are similar; about 80%-90% are caused by alcohol abuse and gallstones (about 35%-45% for each); while the remaining 10%-20% are caused by medications, chemical exposures, trauma, hereditary diseases, infections, surgical procedures, and high fat levels in the blood and genetic abnormalities with pancreas or intestine.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis most commonly begins with abdominal pain in the middle or upper left part of the abdomen and abdominal pain may increase after eating or lying flat the back.
Severe acute pancreatitis symptoms and signs may show skin discoloration around the belly button or the side of the body between the ribs and hip (flank), or small erythematous skin nodules.
Necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe form of acute pancreatitis characterized by necrosis in and around the pancreas.
Diagnosis of pancreatitis (both acute and chronic) is done similarly. Patient history will be taken, physical exam will be performed, and various tests may be ordered.
Although acute pancreatitis should not be treated at home initially, there are steps that can help prevent or reduce symptoms.

According to Ayurveda, Pancreas is known as ‘Grahani’ which means the seat of Agni, and Pancreatitis is known as 'Agnyashaya’. Agnyashaya can be caused due to imbalance of the Vata-Pitta element in Rasa Dhatu (digestive fire) in the initial stage. When the situation becomes worse, there are chances of Dhatu Kshaya means degenerative changes in Agnyashaya.