Pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. An organ that resides in your abdomen, the pancreas is responsible for digestion and blood sugar level regulation. It creates digestive enzymes in the digestive tract to help break down fats, sugars, and starches. When it becomes inflamed, it isn’t able to perform as it should. If your loved one lives alone, having a home care assistance team to create healthy meal options for them is one way to lead them toward success.

Acute versus Chronic Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis comes on quickly and causes sharp pain in the abdomen area. It’s usually caused by an injury. The affected person may develop a fever or be nauseous. While very uncomfortable, relief and an end to the attack will usually occur within a few days.

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive condition that doesn’t improve. It usually gets worse over time because the damage being done to the pancreas is consistent. Chronic pancreatitis is more likely to cause lifelong injury to the pancreas, making it more and more difficult for it to function properly. If your loved one has chronic pancreatitis, he will need to work with a specialist to manage his symptoms.

Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms

Pain is the main symptom for both types of pancreatitis. The pain begins in the abdomen and may radiate to the back. For chronic sufferers, it is non-stop, causing them to live in pain each day. It can feel worse when lying down, coughing, or exercising.

Other symptoms include:

• Indigestion after eating
• A loss of appetite combined with unintentional weight loss
• Low blood pressure that leads to lightheadedness and dizziness when standing too quickly
• Bowel movements that contain a lot of fat and leave an oily film in the toilet

Managing Chronic Pancreatitis

There are two primary causes of chronic pancreatitis – gallstones and heavy drinking. If these two causes can be managed, then the pancreas will receive less damage as time continues. It may not heal, but it won’t get any worse. Other causes can include infections, cystic fibrosis, and medications that negatively affect the pancreas.

If gallstones are the cause of the pancreatitis, the doctor will remove the gallstone and most likely remove the gallbladder as well to prevent further gallstones from developing and injuring the pancreas more.

If chronic pancreatitis is linked to excessive alcohol consumption, your loved one’s doctor will recommend he stop drinking completely. He will also be asked to stop smoking if he smokes as well.

Both smoking and alcohol damage the pancreas. The toxic byproducts in both can cause inflammation, creating more damage to the pancreas. While neither habit is an easy one to quit, especially if your elderly loved one has been addicted for decades, with proper support he can succeed in quitting.

Doctors may also recommend a diet change for your loved one. He may be guided to stay on a diet that is low in fat and includes plenty of fruit and vegetables. Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water throughout the day can help as well.

Your loved one may also need to start a pain management program to help him through the constant pain that is related to the condition.

Managing Pancreatic Symptoms with Home Care Assistance

A home care assistance team can help with healthy meal options and medication management if your loved one needs assistance with managing his pain medications. With proper care and support, your loved one will be able to live comfortably with chronic pancreatitis.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Assistance Services in Cockeysville MD, please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258

A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Baltimore, Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.

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Venus Ricks, RN CM/DN

CEO/Founder at Vital Sign Home Care

Venus Ricks love for people and desire to help others is why she became a Nurse. As a Registered Nurse, Venus took her nursing experience beyond the hospital floors. Inspired by her own story and desire to help others, she launched her healthcare training center. Ambitions at heart, never letting any grass grow under her feet, she didn't stop at training. Her tenure as a Delegating Nurse and need, motivated her to open Mabel's House Assisted Living in honor of her grandmother Mabel, serving the elderly and vulnerable population. Simultaneously, Vital Sign Home Care was also launched, serving the same population.

Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.

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