Having an enlarged pancreas can be very troubling. This is an organ in the body that is located behind the stomach. The pancreas is an organ that produces enzymes that are released into the intestines. The purpose of these enzymes is to help the body digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. After the foods are digested the body absorbs them. Another job of the pancreas is to produce insulin, which is needed to regulate blood sugar.
Unfortunately, there are diseases of the pancreas that can cause problems, as well as lead to an enlarged pancreas. These diseases include tumors, diabetes mellitus, as well as acute and chronic pancreatitis. There may also be a pancreas enzyme deficiency.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is one common problem with the pancreas. In many cases, the reason behind diabetes is because there is a deficiency of insulin due to the fact that the pancreas cannot create it. Without insulin, glucose cannot combine with blood cells in order to provide a source of energy. Healthcare experts are still not sure why exactly the cells that produce insulin die, but the result can be devastating to a person’s health. When someone does have this health condition, what happens is that glucose builds up in the blood and is released in the urine. By the time this is happening, it is common for someone to need insulin injections on a regular basis.
Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is another condition that can cause an enlarged pancreas. There are several things that can cause this condition, including trauma, gallbladder disease, alcohol, high concentration of fat in the blood, and genetics. In some cases, the cause of the disease is not known. What happens when someone develops acute pancreatitis is that the enzymes are getting into the tissues, which will result in damage to the pancreas. In most cases of acute pancreatitis, the patient will recover, though in a few instances the patient can become gravely ill. Some symptoms of this disease include fever, vomiting, as well as severe pain in the upper part of the stomach.
Diagnosis is often done with a CT or MRI; with these imaging devices, the doctor can see if there is an enlarged pancreas and a probable case of this disease. In most cases, medication and rest can help the patient recover from pancreatitis, but if gallstones triggered the illness, surgery to remove the gallbladder may be necessary. When the problems were triggered by alcohol, it is imperative that the patient changes their lifestyle habits to avoid a repeat illness.
Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a problem most often seen with alcoholics or those who continue to go on drinking binges. With this disease, there may be a problem with an enlarged pancreas on a frequent basis and pain medications are necessary to control the discomfort. Treatment will usually consist of medications, as well as rest and restricting alcohol consumption.
Additional medical conditions that can cause an enlarged pancreas include enzyme deficiency and tumors. With an enzyme deficiency, there are no enzymes to break down the food and this may cause weight loss, malnutrition, as well as a pancreatitis attack. With this disease, the enzymes can be taken in medication form to supplement what is not being produced.
Like most organs in the body, the pancreas can also develop tumors; in many cases the tumors are benign, but of course, they can also be malignant. Symptoms of this disease usually include a dull pain in the top of the stomach that goes around to the back. If someone experiences this type of pain it is important that they see their healthcare provider as soon as possible to get a diagnosis.
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