Diffuse changes in the pancreatic parenchyma: pathogenesis, treatment, prevention

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

The liver and pancreas are inextricably linked, as they are permeated by common ducts through which pancreatic juice and bile are excreted. These organs are called parenchymal, because their internal structure looks like a special tissue - parenchyma.

Diffuse changes in the parenchyma of the pancreas, its internal tissue, are not independent diseases, but only indicate that the organ tissue has undergone modification.

What is it - the parenchyma of an organ such as the pancreas?

The latter is a dense organ with a homogeneous structure, which is called parenchyma. If its structure changes, then it can be diagnosed with an ultrasound examination, because ultrasound reflects tissue in different ways. Depending on the changes, various structural abnormalities are identified.

Types of structural disorders of the parenchyma

The change in tissue structure can have two variations:

• Local changes. In this case, echo signs will consist in an increase or decrease in echogenicity, which causes various tumors, stones and cysts. To obtain a clearer picture, the patient is recommended to additionally undergo an MRI;
• Diffuse changes. Echoes in this case are associated with tissue compaction and increased echogenicity. The density of the tissue increases due to edema, inflammation, and the formation of pseudocysts. Such changes cannot be considered a separate disease. They are always a symptom of, for example, hepatitis, gastritis, gastroduodenitis, etc.

Causes of structural disorders of the parenchyma

Moderate and pronounced diffuse changes in the layer of the parenchyma of the pancreas indicate the replacement of the glandular layer with fatty deposits or scars. Their structure is heterogeneous and the density is higher, and the more fat and scars instead of healthy tissue, the brighter the signs of diffuse changes in the parenchyma of an organ such as the pancreas on ultrasound, that is, the higher the echogenicity.

The causes of diffuse changes:

• chronic pancreatitis and the same disease previously transferred in an acute form;
• diseases of the gallbladder, liver;
• fatty hepatosis;
• metabolic disease;
• gastritis and gastroduodenitis;
• bad habits;
• long-term use of toxic drugs;
• improper nutrition;
• diabetes;
• infections;
• elderly age;
• hormonal imbalance, etc.

Therapy of structural disorders of the parenchyma

Diffuse changes in the tissues of the pancreas cannot be corrected. This process is irreversible, but it is possible to stop the replacement of healthy tissue with fat or scars.

To do this, it is necessary to determine what was the impetus for the development of this unpleasant phenomenon and eliminate it. Small changes in the parenchyma secreting pancreatic juice, which proceed without symptoms, are not usually treated. These mild rebirths can be the result of stress, eating disorders, and inflammation.

Under stress, an increase in juice secretion is observed, and in depressive conditions, its production is suppressed. Very often, diffuse degeneration is observed in the elderly, and in children, problems with the release of enzymes are possible.

In the latter case, to compensate for the inability of the organ to produce a sufficient number of them, the doctor may prescribe the intake of such drugs as "Creon", "Mezim", "Pancreatin". With pancreatitis, treatment aims to relieve pain. In this case, analgesics, antispasmodics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.

Signs of diffuse changes in the tissues of the pancreas, observed on ultrasound in diabetes mellitus, prompt the doctor to prescribe drugs to maintain the concentration of glucose in the blood. In any case, the patient is examined additionally, which makes it possible to make a true diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate therapy.

Diet for structural disorders of the parenchyma

Now it is clear what the pancreatic parenchyma is and what affects the metamorphoses in its structure, but here it is worth noting that much depends on the patient's nutrition. If he eats dry food, eats two or three times a day, overeating and leaning on spicy, fried and salty foods, then diffuse changes are provided for him.

Most often, pancreatitis is to blame for the formation of scars and fat. And it is a consequence of regular libation, that is, the use of alcoholic beverages. That is why about half of patients with chronic pancreatitis are alcohol dependent.

The pancreas is experiencing incredible overload due to the abundance of fatty foods and foods with the addition of chemical components. If you combine their intake with large doses of alcohol, then it is rarely possible to avoid attacks of pancreatitis, which is why New Year's and other massively celebrated holidays become hot at times for workers of the gastroenterological and surgical departments in hospitals.

To avoid getting into a hospital bed, you must follow these rules:

• Eat fractionally - 5-6 times a day in small portions;
• Prepare food from natural and fresh products - meat, fish, etc. Do not buy semi-finished products, products in vacuum packages with a long shelf life, etc.;
• Food should be mechanically and thermally gentle;
• Fatty, fried, spicy, salty, smoked and sour - everything that can irritate the mucous membrane is excluded, like alcohol;
• Cooking methods are preferred: steam, boiling and baking;
• Do not use spices and seasonings.

Treatment of disorders in the structure of the parenchyma with phytotherapy

As you know, medicinal herbs help with many diseases. They are able to alleviate the condition in diseases that cause tissue changes in the pancreas.

Here are the most popular recipes for making decoctions, infusions and other means:

• An antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and restorative effect on the pancreas is provided by a collection of mint, plantain, chamomile, St. John's wort, dried cress and yarrow, taken in equal proportions. A mixture in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. pour into a glass of boiling water, cover and do not touch for 30 minutes. After filtering and drinking a third of a glass three times a day;
• The composition of celandine, calendula and yarrow, taken in equal parts, will prevent the development of cysts and tumors. The cooking method is the same as in the above recipe. Take 2 tbsp. l. before a meal;
• For any problems with the pancreas, which include diffuse changes in the parenchyma, a composition of calendula, sage and iron ore in a ratio of 3: 2: 1 will help. Instead of these herbs, you can use immortelle, chamomile and wormwood in a ratio of 4: 3: 2. Pour three dessert spoons of the mixture into 1.5 liters of boiling water, filter after half an hour and drink one third of the glass twice a day;
• Japanese sophora will help restore the function of the pancreas, have a regenerating effect on tissues and relieve pain. At 1 st. l. herbs require 1 cup of boiling water. Raw materials should be brewed in a thermos and it is better to do this overnight. Drink 1 dec. l. before meals for 10 days. Then stop for a week and repeat the course.

How to prevent diffuse changes in the parenchyma

The heterogeneous structure of the parenchyma secreting pancreatic juice is not always detected. Often, a person lives an ordinary life and does not know about the existing problem, but by chance, for example, during medical examination, he discovers the presence of such a pathology.

However, if an increase in the density of this organ is a consequence of some kind of ailment, then it will not be possible not to pay attention to this. A person begins to notice that after eating certain foods or heavy libations, abdominal pain, cramps, flatulence, nausea, and in severe cases, diarrhea and vomiting appear.

You should pay close attention to this, and at the slightest suspicion of a digestive disorder associated with a violation of the structure of the pancreas, refuse harmful products.

Many people think that with such prohibitions there will be nothing at all, but this is not so. There are many delicious and healthy foods that can form the basis of a diet.

These are meat and fish, dairy products, cereals. Vegetables and fruits are not prohibited, but the former are best consumed stewed, and berries and fruits are eaten little by little and only non-acidic.

Along with this, the prevention of this pathology will be the use of herbal teas, maintaining a reasonable lifestyle, and increasing physical activity.