Medicines for the treatment of the pancreas in chronic pancreatitis

One of the main diseases of the pancreas is pancreatitis. In order to know how to relieve inflammation of the pancreas at home, it is necessary to identify the exact nature of the inflammatory process.

Pancreatitis can develop in acute and chronic forms. And if in the first case, only qualified medical care is required, taking strong painkillers and even intravenous injections.

In the chronic form, during periods of relapse, pain in the pancreas can be relieved using conventional means at home. If measures are taken in a timely manner, the exacerbation and unpleasant symptoms will quickly leave the body.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas; it can be very severe and even life-threatening.
The pancreas secretes enzymes that are necessary for the digestion and absorption of food by the intestines. It also produces important hormones (insulin, somatostatin and glucagon) and protects the duodenum from acid that comes from the stomach.

Why does pancreatitis occur?

Malfunction of the gland is provoked by:

1. alcoholism,
2. cholelithiasis,
3. excess intake of fatty foods,
4. some medications, etc.

Often the cause is narrowed or blocked ducts of the gland. As a result, enzymes secreted by the pancreas accumulate in it and begin to destroy it itself. The gland becomes inflamed (Fig. 1).

Then, instead of going to the duodenum, these enzymes enter the blood, poisoning the body. Read more about the development of the disease in the article “Pancreatitis”

Figure 1. Development of pancreatitis. Source: health.harvard.edu

Pancreatitis can occur in two forms: acute and chronic. In acute cases, unexpected inflammation of the pancreas occurs. It can lead to the death of an organ or its parts and its replacement with connective tissue and fat. In the best case, acute pancreatitis goes away on its own: there is no need for hospitalization. At worst, it becomes chronic. With it, the structure of the organ changes: the ducts become clogged, the gland tissue becomes covered with scars.

There are known cases of recurrent pancreatitis. Its features are acute pain, but against the background of a changed structure of the pancreas.

Causes of pancreatic diseases

The pathological process develops under the influence of external and internal factors:

• penetration of infectious agents: protozoa, viruses, fungi, bacteria,
• inflammation in neighboring organs: gallbladder and ducts, duodenum, stomach,
• genetic predisposition: pathology develops at an early age,
• stagnation of bile against the background of excesses due to inflammation of the gallbladder,
• overeating, unhealthy diet,
• development of reactive pancreatitis when bile flows into the pancreas through the common ducts,
• poor ecology, including poor quality water,
• smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction.

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Symptoms of chronic and acute pancreatitis

Symptoms usually appear after excessive consumption of alcohol and fatty foods. Pancreatitis is characterized by:

• constant severe pain in the left hypochondrium or girdle pain in the epigastrium (upper abdomen),
• repeated vomiting,
• swelling in the upper abdomen,
• cardiopalmus,
• low blood pressure,
• change in stool (at the beginning of the disease, stool is normal, then diarrhea occurs, fatty spots are present in the stool, the smell is sharp and unpleasant),
• weight loss, lack of appetite (in chronic form).

In the chronic form, the pain may be dull and aching in the middle of the abdomen. If recurrent pancreatitis occurs, the acute pain returns. Over time, the pain is replaced by a lack of enzymes, which leads to bloating after eating. The chronic form may be accompanied by decreased appetite and loss of the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients (malabsorption). A lot of fat comes out with feces; it has an unpleasant odor, is lighter than normal and has greasy stains. This form is also fraught with the formation of false cysts in the gland, which increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Treatment Basics

The approach to treating pancreatitis varies depending on the form of the disease. In acute severe form of pancreatitis, when there is pain and constant vomiting, the patient is hospitalized. In case of a chronic disease and in the absence of relapses, hospitalization is not required; doctors fight the cause of the disease with the help of drugs.

After admission to the hospital with acute pancreatitis, the patient is not fed, as a rule, for the first 48 hours. A tube is inserted into the stomach to remove its contents. If there are complications (bleeding, acute intestinal obstruction, suppuration, etc.), the patient is referred for surgery.

Next, the doctor prescribes various medications to reduce the load on the gland, reduce pain and prevent the development of infection.

With pancreatitis, control of the production of pancreatic digestive enzymes is vital. Lack of oral nutrition in the first week after the attack is over is the most effective way of such control. Therefore, parenteral nutrition is used, that is, intravenous infusion through a dropper, or enteral nutrition, in which nutritional mixtures are administered through a tube.

Pancreatitis can occur with a complication in the form of death of part of the pancreas or the entire organ (pancreatic necrosis). In this case, doctors adhere to a conservative method of treatment with the help of medications. In case of infected pancreatic necrosis, the use of antibiotics is mandatory. If conservative treatment does not help and the patient progresses to multiple organ failure, suppuration, pancreatic necrosis or pancreatic cancer, surgery is prescribed.

At the first stage, doctors prefer to minimize surgical intervention in the body. First, puncture and drainage of the pancreas and retroperitoneum are performed. To do this, using small incisions, special tubes (drains) are inserted inside, which remove excess liquid and wash the cavity with special solutions.

In case of a more severe condition of the patient and widespread damage to the gland, they resort to alternative treatment tactics, which include:

• laparotomy, that is, external drainage, in which incisions are made in the abdominal wall,
• resection of the gland or removal of it entirely.

Removing the gland is an extreme measure; it is resorted to in a situation where the organ can no longer be restored. It is possible to live without a gland, but you will have to artificially maintain its functions: take insulin, enzyme preparations and follow a very strict diet.

How to cope with an attack of pancreatitis?

The main task when severe pain occurs is to provide the gland with cold, hunger and peace. You should not eat anything and consult a doctor immediately. To relieve inflammation, you need to put a cold compress on your stomach.

Results

1. exacerbation of pancreatitis can develop in a latent form or in the form of a sudden attack;
2. in case of exacerbation of the pathology, the patient must be provided with qualified medical care;
3. during an attack, food consumption is excluded (therapeutic fasting for two or three days);
4. in the presence of complications, pain may persist for two weeks;
5. After the attack has stopped, nutrition is resumed gradually;
6. The basis for creating a menu is the principles of the 5p Diet.

Drug treatment of pancreatitis in adults

Medicines play an important role in the treatment of pancreatitis. They carry several functions at once:

• restoration of enzyme deficiency,
• restoration of hormonal levels,
• improvement of metabolic processes,
• fight inflammation
• preventing spasms,
• normalization of blood circulation,
• pain relief,
• compensation of water-electrolyte losses and plasma losses.

The range of prescribed medications can be large; it is important to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and take all necessary medications on time.

6 tips to help you remember to take your medications

Many drugs for pancreatitis need to be taken regularly, without missing the next dose. To quickly adapt to life during illness, follow these simple tips:

1. It is important to take digestive enzymes and some other medications before meals. At first, it is useful to say to yourself: “First medicine, then food.” The idea is to make taking your medications as routine as washing your hands and using a tissue.
2. Use a medication organizer. The cells in it can be associated with the time of day or the next meal; some organizers are equipped with a timer and can sound a sound signal. At the end of the month, using the pill box, it is easy to track whether all medications were taken on time (Fig. 2).
3. Keep the tablets in a visible place. Don't forget to put them in your bag when you leave home. If you use a lunch box, place your pills in or next to it.
4. Tell your friends and family about your illness. Someone close to you can tell you to take your medicine on time if you forget about it.
5. Listen to yourself. Renewal of symptoms may clearly indicate missed medications.
6. Some medications are better taken twice than not taken at all. Consult with your doctor which of your tablets can be taken in double doses without harm to your health, so you will not be afraid to take the tablet again if you do not remember when you took the medicine.

Figure 2. Medicine organizer. Source: freepik.com

Features of prescribing drugs for pancreatitis in women

Acute pancreatitis in pregnant women is a rare occurrence. Research suggests only three cases out of 10,000. However, as pregnancy progresses, the risk of developing the disease increases. Therefore, the treatment of such patients should be approached very carefully.

There is no agreement among doctors regarding the use of antibiotics during pregnancy. When choosing a medication, the doctor takes into account the severity of the disease, associated complications, and gestational age. In some cases, a positive outcome for the mother is the decisive factor in prescribing antibiotic therapy, even despite the risks of impaired fetal development. In the absence of infection in the bile ducts, as a rule, antibiotics are not prescribed.

Mild forms of pancreatitis may go away on their own. The doctor prescribes antihyperlipidemic drugs, insulin, heparin and diet. In severe cases, the question of termination of pregnancy comes up. The decision depends on many factors and is made by the doctor in each individual case.

Venous parenteral nutrition catheters may cause pregnancy complications. Enteral feeding is preferred, using a tube that passes through the nose and esophagus into the intestines.

Drug treatment of pancreatitis in children

Doctors agree that pancreatitis in children is difficult to diagnose. The reasons for its appearance differ from cases with adults, but the disease itself is more treatable.

Most often, pancreatitis in children occurs against the background of other diseases. Thus, the causes may be inflammation of other organs: the stomach and duodenum (gastroduodenitis), gall bladder (cholecystitis), intestines (enterocolitis), or peptic ulcer. Other causes include the use of certain medications, anatomical features of the gastrointestinal tract, and abdominal trauma.

Treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease and preventing dangerous consequences. Children are prescribed the same medications as adults. The dosage of each medication is determined by the doctor.

Diet is the basis of treatment of childhood pancreatitis. Overeating or poor nutrition (excessive amounts of canned and fatty foods) can trigger inflammation. It is important to follow fractional meals in small portions, limit the amount of fat, sugar and salt, and absolutely exclude fried and pickled foods, sweet carbonated water, chocolate and ice cream from the diet. For more information about nutrition for pancreatitis, read the article “Diet for pancreatitis.”

How is the examination carried out?

Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatitis are the responsibility of a gastroenterologist. To make a diagnosis, the doctor collects anamnesis, conducts an examination and prescribes diagnostic procedures.

Medical examination

The procedure includes assessing the condition of the skin, eye sclera, tongue, and the functioning of the salivary glands. The patient is then placed on the couch and palpated and tapped to identify objective symptoms of pancreatitis:

• Mussi-Georgievsky's symptom, or phrenicus symptom - painful sensations when pressing with your fingertips in the area above the left collarbone - where the phrenic nerve passes between the legs of the sternocleidomastoid muscles;
• sensitivity in the Shoffar area - in the area of ​​​​the projection of the head of the pancreas, 5-6 cm above and to the right of the navel;
• Gubergrits-Skulsky symptom - pain manifests itself in the area of ​​​​the projection of the body of the pancreas, slightly to the left of the Shoffard zone;
• pain in the Mayo-Robson area – left costovertebral angle – area of ​​the tail of the pancreas;
• Desjardins' symptom - sensitivity at a point located 5-6 cm above the navel along the line connecting the navel and the armpit; like the Choffard area, the point is a projection of the head of the pancreas;
• hypotrophic Grotta sign - lack of subcutaneous fat in the area of ​​gland projection;
• Tuzhilin’s hemorrhagic symptom, or the “red droplets” symptom, manifests itself in the form of small burgundy rashes or brown pigmentation over the gland area;
• Kach's symptom - pain on palpation at the exit of the nerve processes at the level of the thoracic vertebrae: 8-9th - on the left, 9-11 - on the right.
• Voskresensky's symptom - with an enlarged pancreas with swelling of the tissue, the pulse of the abdominal aorta cannot be palpated.

Together with the survey, palpation allows you to determine the presence of dyspeptic phenomena from the digestive tract: flatulence, belching, nausea, diarrhea, constipation.

Attention! A sign of chronic pancreatitis may be severe weight loss. It develops as a result of disruption of the process of food digestion against the background of a decrease in the secretory function of the gland and enzyme deficiency. Accompanied by increased dry skin, anemia, dizziness.

Diagnostic procedures

Laboratory diagnostic methods:

• a general blood test reveals signs of inflammation - high levels of leukocytes, low ESR;
• a biochemical blood test determines the level of pancreatic enzymes - amylase, alkaline phosphatase, as well as the pigment bilirubin;
• urine analysis shows the residual content of the enzymes amylase and diastase;
• tubeless diagnostic methods assess the activity of the digestive process by introducing substrates for pancreatic enzymes and then monitoring their absorption;
• Stool analysis for parasites is carried out as necessary.

Toolkit of techniques:

• Ultrasound – determines the shape and size of the organ, the presence of compactions and fibrous areas;
• gastroscopy - assesses the degree of inflammation of the walls of the stomach and duodenum;
• radiography and its variant - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography - help to detect accumulations of clots or stones in the ducts that cause blockage;
• probe methods for determining the exocrine function of the gland - secretin-pancreozymin test, Lund test;
• CT or MRI allows you to assess the degree of tissue necrosis in severe patients;
• Laparoscopy is used in difficult cases for visual assessment and tissue biopsy.

Drugs

The main task in the treatment of pancreatitis is to get rid of the cause that caused the inflammation and prevent the onset of complications. Therefore, doctors prescribe a whole course of tablets that should help the digestive system cope with the malfunction (Fig. 3).

Figure 3. To treat pancreatitis, medications of different directions of action are used. Source: MedPortal

Antispasmodics for pancreatitis

Antispasmodics are prescribed to relieve pain and muscle spasms. They can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously. The main ones include those containing drotaverine, mebeverine, pinaverium bromide, m-anticholinergics (metocinium iodide, atropine).

Enzymes and antienzyme drugs for pancreatitis

With pancreatitis, the gland is unable to produce enzymes necessary for digestion. Therefore, the patient must receive them from outside. In addition, the introduction of enzymes allows the gland to reduce their production and rest. Enzymes are prescribed only in the absence of exacerbation. They are divided into those that contain pancreatin (with and without bile components), and those that contain only components of plant origin (simethicone, chymopapain).

In acute pancreatitis, intoxication of the body occurs. Enzymes accumulate in the pancreas and, instead of going further to the duodenum, enter the blood. Anti-enzyme drugs are used to cleanse the body and relieve stress on the pancreas. They are drunk in the first 5 days from the onset of the disease. The main active ingredient of such drugs is aprotinin.

Important! Enzyme preparations must be taken with every meal. The enzyme preparation, its dosage and duration of treatment are determined only by the doctor. Under no circumstances should you take enzymes for acute pain. Such pain indicates worsening inflammation in the pancreas. Taking enzymes in this case will lead to increased intraductal pressure, which in the future will lead to blockage of blood vessels and necrosis.

Antacids

Hydrochloric acid, which is contained in gastric juice, triggers the work of the pancreas. The more of this acid, the more actively the iron works. With pancreatitis, increased activity of the organ leads to pain and complications. Antacids are used to reduce acidity in the stomach. They contain algeldate and magnesium hydroxide, which neutralize stomach acid. Doctors give preference to drugs in liquid form.

Antisecretory

Antisecretory drugs reduce the production of hydrochloric acid, which is contained in gastric juice. Its excessive amount leads to the fact that the alkaline pancreatic secretion is not able to neutralize the acidity of the environment. It is the alkaline environment that provides the best conditions for digestion, so its restoration is one of the tasks in the fight against pancreatitis. Another function of such drugs is to have a cytoprotective effect. They increase the secretion of protective mucus, increase blood flow to the digestive system and promote scar healing.

H2 blockers

These are antihistamine antisecretory agents. Their action is aimed at preventing the excitation of H2 receptors, which stimulate the work of all glands: salivary, gastric, pancreas. They reduce the acidity of gastric juice, delay the production of hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which breaks down protein. These include drugs containing famotidine, ranitidine, etc.

Proton pump inhibitors

Medicines whose purpose is to block the work of the proton pump located in the gastric mucosa and thereby reduce the acidity of the stomach by reducing the production of hydrochloric acid. The same acid that is necessary for digestion, but in large quantities leads to gastritis, and then to ulcers. Such drugs are benzimidazole derivatives. This includes drugs containing omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, etc.

Other medications for pancreatitis

Depending on the form and phase of the disease in each individual case, based on symptoms and test results, the doctor prescribes additional medications.

Antibiotics

To combat inflammation and pus, as well as to prevent serious consequences in the form of necrosis, sepsis and abscess, antibiotics and antimicrobial agents are needed. The duration of the course usually does not exceed 7–14 days. Carbapenems, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and metronidazole are usually used. In the hospital, such drugs are administered parenterally (intramuscularly or intravenously).

Vitamins

Digestive insufficiency is usually accompanied by a lack of vitamins. Before prescribing vitamin preparations, doctors always send for analysis to find out which vitamins are missing. As a rule, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K are prescribed, since they are responsible for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. They also help enzymes function and protect against pancreatic cancer.

Anti-inflammatory drugs for pancreatitis

In addition to antibiotics, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. In particular, non-narcotic analgesics (diclofenac, piroxicam, meloxicam, metamizole sodium, etc.). They relieve inflammation and pain.

Is it possible to take choleretic drugs?

Gallstone disease is one of the main causes of pancreatitis. Therefore, choleretic substances, which help prevent stagnation of bile and reduce the load on the pancreas, are on the list of drugs to combat this disease. It must be borne in mind that in acute pancreatitis and exacerbation of the chronic form, choleretic drugs are contraindicated. They are taken only during the period of remission.

Iron supplements

The use of iron supplements in the treatment of pancreatitis is not common practice. In some cases, taking enzyme preparations can lead to a deterioration in the absorption of iron and, consequently, its deficiency in the body. According to other data, the consumption of iron supplements by patients after acute pancreatitis affected carbohydrate metabolism.

Preparations for restoring intestinal microflora

In addition to the basic treatment complex, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are prescribed. They are designed to restore microflora especially after taking antibiotics. Such drugs are the prevention of dysbiosis, in which the microbial composition of the intestine is disrupted.

What drops are falling

Infusion solutions are prescribed in the form of droppers. This therapy is aimed at maintaining water and electrolyte composition. This includes colloidal and crystalline solutions. They replenish lost energy, protein and plasma.

Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis is used to cleanse the body of toxins. During this procedure, blood is taken, the patient's plasma, which contains toxins, is filtered, and donor plasma is returned.

Diagnostics

To confirm or refute the presence of an inflammatory process in the pancreas, the patient will need to undergo the following tests:

• general blood analysis;
• biochemical analysis;
• blood sugar test;
• stool analysis;
• Analysis of urine.

The following will also help establish an accurate diagnosis:

• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• EGDS;
• X-ray.

If you experience any discomfort in the abdomen, you should visit your local doctor, who, after examination, will determine further actions. Basically, the doctor prescribes laboratory tests for the patient and then refers him to a gastroenterologist.

Complications after taking medications

Medicines for pancreatitis, like any medicine, can lead to complications. Antibiotics - for digestive upset, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - for complications in the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. Enzyme preparations can cause allergies and lead to iron deficiency. Antisecretory drugs, although they are considered drugs with a minimum of side effects, can cause withdrawal syndrome: the appearance of heartburn and sometimes pain in the sternum after stopping their use. Even vitamins, if taken immoderately and without prior testing, can become not just a useless, but also a dangerous supplement.

Is it possible to cure pancreatitis forever?

The likelihood of recovery from pancreatitis depends on the form of the disease and its cause. Sometimes a mild form is caused by eating a lot of fatty foods or drinking alcohol. In this case, the inflammation can go away on its own without leaving any traces: excess fluid will not form around the organ, the ducts will not be blocked, which means enzymes will not accumulate in the gland.

Another thing is alcoholism, complications of gallstone disease, the presence of inflammation or tumors in other organs of the digestive system. Pancreatitis as a concomitant disease requires strict medical supervision. If the situation is advanced: the structure of the organ is changed or part of it dies (pancreatic necrosis), then there is no talk of cure. After completing a course of mandatory drug therapy, patients will have to undergo maintenance therapy, a strict diet, and a complete cessation of alcohol and smoking. According to doctors, the patient should be monitored for at least three months. Physical activity will become a good habit. Physical education improves metabolic processes, helps control weight and cleanses toxins.

Recipe

Take 1 teaspoon of dry extract of chamomile, mint leaves, immortelle and pour 2 cups of boiling water, let it brew for 3 hours, strain and drink half a glass each time before meals.

There is an even more delicious recipe for treatment, for this they use lingonberry leaves, raspberry leaves, rose hips, fennel and blueberries. All components are poured with boiling water in a thermos and allowed to brew overnight. The next day, filter the broth, divide into equal parts and drink up to 4 times a day.

Sources

1. Minutes of the meeting of the Expert Commission on Health Development of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 23 dated December 12, 2013. Acute pancreatitis.
2. St. Petersburg State Medical University named after Academician I. P. Pavlov. Department of Faculty Therapy, author: Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation, Associate Professor E. V. Kraevsky. Chronic pancreatitis.
3. Clinical protocol for diagnosis and treatment No. 18 of the Expert Council of the Republican State Enterprise at the Republican Center for Healthcare Development of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 30, 2015. Chronic pancreatitis in children.
4. First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova. Treatment of acute pancreatitis. Authors: S. F. Bagnenko, N. V. Rukhlyada, A. D. Tolstoy, V. R. Goltsov.

Is it possible to treat the pancreas on your own?

Mild to moderate exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis can be treated at home in the following cases:

• You have been fully examined over the past 1-2 years and other diseases have been excluded (eg, tumors, gallstones, peptic ulcers).
• You are well aware of such symptoms of exacerbation and are no different from the past.
• You have previous doctor's recommendations.
• The exacerbation is not severe, without vomiting, without severe diarrhea.
• Within a few days of treatment you notice an improvement.