If you've been diagnosed with pancreatitis, stop eating spicy foods and all other foods that trigger painful symptoms. Severe cramping and vomiting are common symptoms of pancreatitis that need to be evaluated by your medical doctor. Pancreatitis that is left undiagnosed and treated and can lead to serious health complications, such as diabetes, breathing problems and further infections, according to MayoClinic.com. Talk with your doctor about treatment options and dietary modifications.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis refers to inflammation in your pancreas, the gland behind your stomach that produces digestive enzymes, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Every time you eat or drink something, your pancreas releases specific enzymes that help your body break down the proteins, carbohydrates and sugars found in foods. Minor cases of pancreatitis can occur at any time, but they subside within a few days without causing any harm. Severe cases of pancreatitis can cause life-threatening symptoms that could lead to death.
Symptoms
Common symptoms, according to PubMed Health, include chills, fever, abdominal pain that can cause pain in your back, clammy skin, fatty stools, nausea, jaundice, weakness, vomiting, weight loss and general fatigue. If you have chronic pancreatitis, you may develop constant upper-abdominal pain, oily stools that smell and chronic indigestion. Pancreatitis may be confused with heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD. If your symptoms get worse or do not subside within three days, call your doctor immediately.
Cause
The symptoms of pancreatitis are the result of premature activation of the enzymes stored in the pancreas. In a healthy adult digestive system, the enzymes are not activated until they leave the pancreas and enter the stomach. If you have chronic pancreatitis, the enzymes become activated prematurely, while still in your pancreas, leading to inflammation and infection. Common causes of this malfunction include gallstones, alcoholism, cigarette smoking, abdominal surgery, injury or surgery to the abdomen, infection or cancer. If you have a family history of pancreatitis, you're more likely to develop chronic pancreatitis.
Treatment
In order to prevent symptoms such as stomach cramps and vomiting, stop eating all foods that trigger your symptoms. If you notice that spicy foods cause your symptoms to develop, stop eating spicy food. MayoClinic.com also recommends stopping drinking alcohol, stopping smoking, drinking more water and eating a diet that is low in fat. Increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to avoid a pancreatic attack. Drinking more water is essential with pancreatitis because the condition can lead to dehydration.
