Your pancreas plays an important role in the release of glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream. If your pancreas becomes inflamed, pancreatitis can occur. In most cases, pancreatitis is acute, meaning it happens suddenly and lasts for a short time. Exercise may be beneficial before or after a pancreatitis attack to help reduce the risk of recurrence and improve your overall health, though you should consult your doctor for guidance on the timing and intensity of exercise.
Causes
There are several factors that contribute to acute pancreatitis. Some of the main causes are gallstones, gallbladder disease and alcohol use, explains the University of Cincinnati's Pancreatic Disease Center. If you have a sudden gallbladder attack or have been consuming alcohol, the pancreas can be affected. If you have suffered a recent injury, viral infection or take certain medications such as corticosteroids and diuretics, you could develop acute pancreatitis. In cases where there is no known cause of acute pancreatitis, it is referred to as idiopathic pancreatitis. Keeping yourself healthy through proper diet and exercise, particularly if you are diabetic or have had bouts of pancreatitis before, can reduce your risk of suffering an acute attack.
Symptoms
Exercising during acute pancreatitis is not recommended and in some cases may escalate pain. Pancreatitis is very painful. One of the initial signs is severe abdominal pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the lower back, notes MayoClinic.com. Pancreatic pain is a steady throbbing pain that appears suddenly. Pain may be alleviated slightly when you lean or bend forward. Other symptoms that could indicate acute pancreatitis include a fever, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, clammy skin and bloating. Without immediate medical care, you can develop dehydration quickly. It is difficult to exercise when you have acute pancreatitis because of the pain and feelings of malaise.
Exercise Benefits
Exercising may help reduce your risk of getting pancreatitis. Your pancreas is responsible for digestive enzyme activity and the production of insulin, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. When you avoid foods that are processed, high in fat and high in sugar, your pancreas does not have to overwork itself. Exercise can help keep excess weight off and make it easier for your body to process blood sugars and metabolize food. Exercise along with a low-fat, heart-healthy diet can help keep triglyceride levels in check. Keeping your diabetes under control with diet and exercise, also lowers your risk for pancreatitis.
Solution
Once your acute pancreatitis has been treated, whether it be with pain medication, IV fluids or hospitalization, ask your doctor how soon you can resume exercise. It is important not to cause any type of physical trauma to your body with extreme exercise such as weightlifting or fast-paced cardiovascular work. Your pancreas needs time to heal through physical movement and dietary changes. Your doctor may recommend very-low-impact exercise to start, such as walking and light housekeeping. Reduce your risk of pancreatitis recurrence by eliminating alcohol consumption. If you have a problem with stopping, ask your doctor to recommend help.
