All You Need to Know About Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis or AIP is a rare autoimmune medical condition, in which the immune system of the body attacks its healthy cells. This condition can be of two types:

• Type 1: This is the most common variant of AIP that affects the pancreas, as well as other organs of the body, like the gallbladder and the liver.
• Type 2: This condition only affects the pancreas, and is commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Any person diagnosed with type 1 or 2 AIP must consult the best pancreas specialist in Delhi for proper treatment. Type 1 AIP can be misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer at times, as both of them have multiple overlapping signs and symptoms. Hence, it is crucial to get the diagnosis of the symptoms done through an expert as well, to make sure that there is no scope for mistakes. The common signs of autoimmune pancreatitis include:

• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Yellow skin and eyes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness or extreme tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Pain in the upper abdomen or middle part of the back

Type 1 of AIP is most common among males able the age of sixty, while its type 2 is often seen among both men and women above 40. People suffering from type 2 AIB additionally are more likely to have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis.

Complications Faced by Patients Suffering from Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis can lead to a number of complications. Here are a few of them:

• Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: Autoimmune pancreatitis can affect the ability of the pancreas to make more enzymes. The symptoms of such a condition include metabolic bone disease, weight loss, diarrhoea, metabolic bone disease as well as vitamin or mineral deficiency.
• Diabetes: As pancreas is the organ responsible for producing insulin, any damage suffered by it may cause diabetes, due to which the patients may need treatment with oral medication or insulin.
• Pancreatic calcifications or stones
• Pancreatic and bile duct stricture

The best pancreas specialist in Delhi can create a perfect treatment plan for both type 1 and 2 AIP, as well as provide the patients with valuable guidance.

Pancreatitis: Lifestyle Modifications, Tips and Suggestions

Pancreatitis is a disease caused due to the inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and next to the small intestine. It releases powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine that help in digestion of food. An individual suffering from pancreatitis would have to make certain lifestyle modifications to manage the condition in the long term and prevent acute flare-ups. Here are some of the tips and suggestions that may help people diagnosed with pancreatitis:

Dietary Changes

One must limit intake of certain foods in order to manage pancreatitis. This is because the pancreas is unable produce enough enzymes needed digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Thus, the body may not be able to absorb a sufficient amount of nutrients which can lead to abdominal discomfort. Doctors suggest that one should consume a diet high in lean protein and low in fat.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

One may develop the risk of developing gallstones if he/she is overweight or obese which might also lead to pancreatitis. Thus, maintaining a healthy weight can prevent gallstones and other medical conditions as well.

Avoid Alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol is one of the most common causes of pancreatitis. Thus, an individual with chronic pancreatitis must abstain from consumption of alcohol. This is one of the best ways in which they can get relief from symptoms and even prevent acute episodes. One can also consider treatment for alcohol addiction and other substance abuse issues.

Quit Smoking

Doctors recommend that people with pancreatitis should avoid smoking as it may worsen the symptoms or delay recovery. Other than this, smoking can also increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Getting proper treatment of pancreatitis is extremely important. Thus, one should only consult the top specialists. One can consider that houses best pancreas specialist Gangaram Hospital in Delhi and offer best treatment of pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal issues.

Causes and Symptoms of Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a flat and long gland, situated behind the stomach in the upper part of the abdomen. The pancreas creates enzymes to aid in the digestion process. Also, pancreatic hormones help balance the appetite and blood sugar level and regulate stomach acids. Pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases of the pancreas in which the pancreas gets inflamed. It is a severe condition where the digestive enzymes begin digesting the pancreas itself. Pancreatitis can be chronic or acute and both of these types are serious issues and can lead to complications. While acute pancreatitis happens suddenly and gets cured within a few days with treatment, the chronic condition does not improve and can lead to severe conditions.

Causes of Pancreatitis

Listed below are some conditions that can lead to pancreatitis

• Heavy alcohol consumption on a regular basis
• Abdominal surgery
• Cystic fibrosis
• Certain medications
• Gallstones
• Pancreatic cancer
• Obesity
• Injury to the abdomen
• Infection
• Hypertriglyceridemia or high triglyceride levels in the blood
• High calcium levels in the blood caused by an overactive parathyroid gland

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of pancreatitis experienced by an individual may depend on the type of pancreatitis they have. Those who are suffering from acute pancreatitis can feel the following symptoms.

• Pain in the upper part in the abdomen that spreads to the back (pain may
• increase after eating)
• Long-lasting, high fever
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Swelling and tenderness in the abdomen

Mentioned below are key symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:

• Severe weight-loss, typically caused by mal-absorption of food
• Nausea and diarrhoea
• Constant pain in the upper abdominal region
• Excessive thirst and fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Complications of pancreatitis

Pancreatitis can cause some severe complications, including:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Diabetes
• Pseudocyst
• Infection
• Kidney failure
• Malnutrition

People who feel any signs symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and others, they should visit a doctor right away. It is advised for them to consult specialised doctors and Pancreas specialists at Gangaram hospital in Delhi or other top hospitals in other cities.