Introduction : Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve, gets worse over time, and leads to permanent damage.
Causes
The condition is most often caused by alcohol abuse over many years. Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis can lead to chronic pancreatitis.
Other causes
- Autoimmune problems (when the immune system attacks the body). Blockage of the pancreatic duct or the common bile duct, the tubes that drain enzymes from the pancreas.
- High levels of a fat called triglycerides in the blood (hypertrophy- ceridemia).
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Use of certain medications (especially sulfonamides, thiazides, and azathioprine).
- Chronic pancreatitis occurs more often in men than in women. The condition often develops in people aged 30-40.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- More in the upper abdomen.
- May last from hours to days.
- Eventually it may be continuous.
- May get worse from eating or drinking.
- May get worse from drinking alcohol.
- May also be felt in the back.
2.Digestive problems
- Chronic weight loss, even when eating habits and amounts are normal.
- Diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Fatty or oily stools.
- Pale or clay-coloured stools.
The symptoms may become more frequent as the condition gets worse. The symptoms may mimic pancreatic cancer. Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve the abdominal pain of pancreatitis.
Investigations:
- Serum amylase, Serum lipase, Serum trypsinogen.
- Serum IgG4 (for diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis).
- Abdominal CT scan & Abdominal ultrasound: Inflammation or calcium deposits of the pancreas, or ducts of the pancreas may be seen on.
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).
Principles of Treatment
In Ayurveda chronic pancreatitis is correlated with Kaphaja Grahani
- Vamana
- Agnideepana with Katu, Amla, Lavana, Kshara, Tikta Dravya
- In Kapha Stivana ruksha-tiktayukta deepana should be given.
Prevention :
Determining the cause of acute pancreatitis and treating it quickly may help prevent chronic pancreatitis. Not drinking a lot of alcohol reduces the risk of developing this condition.
Yoga Therapy:
Asana
- Bhujangasana (1 min.)
- Dhanurasana (30 sec.)
- Pavanamuktasana (2 min.)
- Halasana (1 min.)
- Ardhamatsyendrasana (2 minutes on each side)
- Akarna Dhanurasana (1 minute on each side)
- Udarasanchalana (3 rounds)
- Veerasana (1 minute on each side)
- Shalabhasana (3 Rounds)
- Makarasana (2 Min.)
- Sarwangasana (3 minutes)
- Matsyasana (1 minute)
- Paschimottasana (1 minute)
- Ushtrasana (2 minutes)
- Trikonasana (1 minute on each side)
- Shavasana (when needed)
- Uttanapada Chakrasana 3 rounds
Diet and Lifestyle:
Pathya:
- Drinking plenty of liquids.
- Eating a low-fat diet.
- Eating small, frequent meals (this helps reduce digestive symptoms).
Apathya:
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Getting enough vitamins and calcium in the diet, or as extra supple-
- ments.
- Limiting caffeine.
References
Forsmark CE. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Shafer Al, eds. Cecil Medicine 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap46.