Pancreatitis Pain: What Worsens It?
Symptoms and Causes
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is a large organ behind the stomach. Symptoms of pancreatitis can range from mild to severe, and include pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The pain of pancreatitis can worsen over time and can be difficult to manage. Knowing what can worsen pancreatitis pain can help people manage their symptoms more effectively.
Biliary Obstruction is a common cause of pancreatitis, and can cause the pain to worsen. Biliary obstruction is when there is a blockage in the bile duct, which is a tube that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine. The blockage can be caused by a number of things, such as gallstones, tumors, or scar tissue. Treatment for biliary obstruction depends on the cause and may include surgery or medications.
Alcohol Use is another common cause of pancreatitis, and can also worsen the pain. Alcohol use can damage the pancreas, leading to inflammation. The amount of alcohol needed to cause pancreatitis varies from person to person, but even moderate use can increase the risk. Quitting or reducing alcohol use can help reduce pain from pancreatitis.
Certain Foods and Medications can also worsen the pain of pancreatitis. Foods that are high in fat, such as red meat, fried foods, and dairy products, can trigger a flare-up of symptoms. Certain medications, such as certain antibiotics, can also increase the risk of pancreatitis pain. It is important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking and to avoid foods that may trigger symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for pancreatitis pain depends on the underlying cause. If the pain is caused by biliary obstruction, treatment will focus on relieving the blockage. This may include surgery or medications. If the pain is caused by alcohol use, quitting or reducing alcohol use can help reduce pain.
For those with pancreatitis pain caused by certain foods or medications, avoiding those foods or medications can help reduce pain. Your doctor may also recommend reducing your intake of fatty foods and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, medications such as pain relievers or antispasmodics may be prescribed to help manage the pain.
Takeaway
Pancreatitis pain can be difficult to manage, but knowing what can worsen the pain can help people better manage their symptoms. Biliary obstruction, alcohol use, certain foods, and certain medications can all worsen pancreatitis pain. Treatment for pancreatitis pain depends on the underlying cause, but may include avoiding certain foods or medications, reducing alcohol use, or taking medications for pain relief.