Function of Pancreas and Key Causes of Disorders Related to it

Posted by Dr. Vikas Singla on December 14th, 2018

Pancreas is a key glandular organ located in the abdomen of the human body. It is a major component of the digestive system, and plays a vital role in controlling blood sugar levels of the body. Pancreas play the dual roles of being both an endocrine and an exocrine gland. Its vital functions include:

  • Exocrine Function: Pancreas has exocrine glands that produce important enzymes required in the digestion process. These enzymes include chymotrypsin and trypsin for digesting proteins, amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates and lipase for the breakdown of fats. These pancreatic juices are ideally released into a system of ducts when food enters the stomach. The pancreatic juices and bile that are released into the duodenum aid the body in the digestion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
  • Endocrine Function: A major component of the pancreas is the islet cells that release important hormones into the bloodstream directly. Two of the key pancreatic hormones are insulin and glucagon. Glucagon is responsible for raising the blood sugar level, while insulin assists in lowering it. Proper maintenance of the blood sugar level of the body is important for the smooth functioning of the key organs, like the brain, liver, and kidneys.

In case people face any digestive distress, like abdominal pain, vomiting and acute constipation, then it can always be the result of some issues with the pancreas. Owning to the important role that these glands play, it is advisable to contact the best pancreas specialist in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, or some other cosmopolitan city at even the slightest indication of any pancreas related ailment.

Major Causes of Pancreatic Diseases

Ailments related to the pancreas can be caused by hereditary ailments, as well as lifestyle habits. People having hereditary illnesses like diabetes or unhealthy lifestyle habits like excessive consumption of alcohol, chain smoking or chewing of tobacco are more likely to developed pancreatic diseases. Ailments like chronic Pancreatitis can also be caused due to autoimmune problems. Some of the major ailments related to the pancreas are as follows:

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

Other than the aforementioned causes, many other factors can lead to the development of these ailments. Hence, the best pancreas specialists in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and other such cities opine that whenever there is a persistent pain in the upper abdomen or abdomen distension, people must visit a reputed medical facility and perform a few routine tests to rule out any possibilities of a pancreatic disorder. After these tests, in case a pancreatic disorder is diagnosed, then its treatment will depend on the nature of the ailment. If detected in the early stages, severe ailments like pancreatic cancer can be well-managed with the help of a surgery and proper care post-surgery.

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Dr. Vikas Singla

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Dr. Vikas Singla
Joined: April 5th, 2017
Articles Posted: 21

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