The Vital Functions of The Pancreas and Ailments Related To It

Posted by Dr. Vikas Singla on March 17th, 2020

The Pancreas is a prime glandular organ that is found in the abdomen of a person. It is a vital component of the digestive system and tends to play a crucial role in controlling the blood sugar levels of the body. The pancreas usually plays the dual role of being both an endocrine gland and an exocrine gland. Here is more on its major functions:

• Exocrine Function: The pancreas is known to be responsible for featuring exocrine glands that produce important enzymes needed in the process of digestion. These enzymes include chymotrypsin and trypsin that helps in digesting proteins, lipase that assists in the breakdown of fats and amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates.  These pancreatic juices are released into a system of ducts as food enters the stomach of a person. The pancreatic duct subsequently joins the common bile duct to form the ampulla of Vater. This ampulla is present at the prime area of the small intestine that is known as the duodenum. Bile and the pancreatic juices that are released into the duodenum help the body in digesting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

• Endocrine Function:  Islet cells are an important element of the pancreas and they help in releasing important hormones directly into the bloodstream of a person. Glucagon and insulin are two of the major pancreatic hormones. While glucagon is responsible for raising blood sugar levels, insulin assists in lowering it. Efficient maintenance of the blood sugar level of the body is crucial to the smooth functioning of the major organs, like kidneys, liver and even the brain.

If people face any kind of digestive distress like vomiting, acute constipation, and abdominal pain, then there is a chance that it is an indication of some pancreatic disease. Due to the crucial functions performed by this glandular organ, it is prudent that people contact the best pancreas specialist in Delhi, Mumbai or some other major city in case they are faced with the indication of any pancreas related medical condition.

Major causes of pancreatic diseases

The ailments related to the pancreas might be caused by both lifestyle habits and hereditary conditions.  People suffering from hereditary illnesses like diabetes or having unhealthy lifestyle habits like chewing of tobacco, excessive consumption of alcohol, and chain-smoking have a greater risk of developing pancreatic diseases. Medical conditions like chronic pancreatitis might also be caused due to autoimmune problems. A few of the prime medical conditions related to the pancreas include:

• Gall bladder cancer
• Common bile duct stone
• Acute pancreatitis
• Pancreatic pseudocyst
• Gall bladder stone
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic tumors

Apart from the causes mentioned previously, various other factors can lead to the development of pancreatic ailments. Hence, it would be a good decision for people to visit an experienced pancreas specialist in Delhi, Mumbai, or some other large city for a proper diagnosis of their symptoms in case they are facing persistent pain in the upper abdomen or abdomen distension. These specialists would be able to perform various tests that help in ruling out possibilities of a pancreatic disorder, as well as provide the patients with the necessary treatment and care in case they are found to be suffering from a certain medical condition related to the pancreas.