Pancreatin Health Dictionary

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Pancreatin: From 3 Different Sources

An oral preparation of pancreatic enzymes required for digestion.

It is used to prevent malabsorption, and it may be needed after pancreatectomy or by people with pancreatic disorders.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
Pancreatin preparations (often in the form of a powder) contain the four powerful enzymes (see ENZYME), trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, and amylase, which continue the digestion of foods started in the stomach (see PANCREAS – Functions; DIGESTION). They are given by mouth for the relief of pancreatic de?ciency in conditions such as pancreatitis (see PANCREAS, DISORDERS OF) and CYSTIC FIBROSIS. Pancreatin is also used for the preparation of pre-digested, or so-called peptonised, foods, such as milk and some starchy foods.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. an extract obtained from the *pancreas, containing the pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatin is administered to treat conditions in which pancreatic secretion is deficient; for example, in pancreatitis.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Peptonised Foods

Foods which have been predigested by PANCREATIN and thereby rendered more digestible.... peptonised foods

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder, characterized by a tendency to develop chronic lung infections and an inability to absorb fats and other nutrients from food. The main feature of cystic fibrosis (CF) is secretion of sticky mucus, which is unable to flow freely, in the nose, throat, airways, and intestines.

The course and severity of the disease vary. Typically, a child passes unformed, pale, oily, foul-smelling faeces and may fail to thrive. Often, growth is stunted and the child has recurrent respiratory infections. Without prompt treatment, pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiectasis may develop, causing lung damage. Most male sufferers and some females are infertile. CF causes excessive loss of salt in sweat, and heatstroke and collapse may occur in hot weather.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, which may be acute or chronic. The main causes of acute pancreatitis are alcohol abuse and gallstones. Less common causes are injury, viral infections, surgery on the biliary system, or certain drugs. Chronic pancreatitis is usually due to alcohol abuse. Rarer causes include hyperlipidaemias, haemochromatosis, and severe acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis leads to permanent damage. Acute pancreatitis is less damaging but there may be recurrences.Symptoms of acute pancreatitis are a sudden attack of severe upper abdominal pain, which may spread to the back, often with nausea and vomiting. Movement often makes the pain worse. The attack usually lasts about 48 hours. Chronic pancreatitis usually has the same symptoms, although the pain may last from a few hours to several days, and attacks become more frequent. If there is no pain, the principal signs may be malabsorption or diabetes mellitus.

Severe acute pancreatitis may lead to hypotension, heart failure, kidney failure, respiratory failure, cysts, and ascites. Chronic pancreatitis may also lead to the development of ascites and cysts, as well as bile duct obstruction and diabetes mellitus.

A diagnosis may be made by blood tests, abdominal X-rays, ultrasound scanning, CT scanning, MRI, or ERCP. Acute pancreatitis is treated with intravenous infusion of fluids and salts and opioid analgesic drugs. In some cases, the gut may be washed out with sterile fluid, or a pancreatectomy may be performed and any gallstones that are present removed. Treatment for the chronic form is with painkillers, insulin, pancreatin, and, in some cases, pancreatectomy.... pancreatitis


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