Prevention Of Pancreas: Here Is What You Need To Know

You often might come across various ways to keep your heart, lungs and stomach healthy and active. But have you thought of taking care of your pancreas? Well, you haven’t; in fact, most of us ignore our pancreatic health. In the majority of people, overlooking or neglecting the pancreas does not result in any noticeable and troublesome symptoms in the initial days until the problems reach the advanced stage.
One of the most common yet preventable issues of the pancreas is pancreatitis, which mostly gets ignored or confused with other disorders before the diagnosis.
So, if you are someone who is experiencing pancreatic problems and looking for ways to prevent the progression of the disease to pancreatitis, this blog is the right read for you. In this write-up, we have provided expert guidance from Dr. Indraneel Saha, a top pancreatitis doctor in Kolkata, on the ways to help you keep the organ healthy to avoid any kind of complications.

How To Identify That You Have Pancreatitis: Symptoms To Watch For

While prevention of pancreatitis is essential, knowing its symptoms is equally crucial to getting timely treatment in case you have developed the condition.
Here are the potential signs to look for:

1. Severe upper abdominal pain that spreads to the back or worsens on lying.
2. Nausea and vomiting even after having small amounts of food.
3. Fever accompanied by rapid heartbeat.
4. Unexplained weight loss due to indigestion and malabsorption of nutrition.
5. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice)
6. Persistent upset stomach
7. Tenderness in the belly

Having these symptoms does not mean that you have pancreatitis, as they can signify other gastrointestinal issues as well. Hence, your doctor will perform blood and imaging tests to confirm the condition and begin the right treatment accordingly.

Ways To Prevent Pancreatitis

When the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas start attacking the organ itself, it leads to inflammation and swelling, causing pancreatitis. The condition can develop suddenly or may occur over time. While pancreatitis can not always be prevented, there are certain ways, following which, it is possible to reduce the risk of the condition to a great extent.

• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the primary reasons behind irritating the lining of the pancreas and eventually damaging the organ. Hence, make sure to quit completely or limit the intake of alcohol.
• Adopt healthy choices: A prolonged exposure to a diet with high-fat food is the main reason behind the alteration in the digestive enzymes of the pancreas. Excess levels of fat result in chronic pancreatitis. Always indulge in food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Also, don’t eat in excess amounts. Rather have food in smaller portions frequently.
• Manage underlying health conditions: If you have conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes, make sure to consult your doctor to manage them effectively. This is because all of these health issues trigger pancreatitis.
• Get regular checkups: If you fall under the high-risk category, you have a chance of developing pancreatitis. For example, if you have a family history of this condition or suffer from regular abdominal pain, nausea or vomitting, consult the best pancreatitis doctor in Kolkata, such as the one like Dr. Indraneel Saha to have a thorough checkup and know the exact cause of the symptoms.
• Maintain a normal weight: People who are overweight have a risk of developing gallstones, which can block the pancreatic duct and cause pancreatitis. To avoid this, engage in regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day.

Conclusion

Pancreatitis is a serious condition that leads to life-threatening complications if left untreated. However, there are ways you can prevent the development of the disease and lead a healthy life.