Pancreatitis

Can medical cannabis help patients suffering from symptoms of Pancreatitis? Find out more below. 

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located in the abdomen that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the digestive enzymes that are normally released into the small intestine to help break down food can begin to attack the pancreas itself, causing damage to the tissue.

Common causes of pancreatitis include alcohol abuse, gallstones, high levels of triglycerides in the blood, certain medications, infections, and trauma to the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis can include severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, and a rapid pulse. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition and may involve hospitalization, pain management, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol and following a low-fat diet.

What causes it?

The causes of pancreatitis can be broadly classified into two categories:

1. Gallstones are the most common cause of pancreatitis, accounting for around 40% of cases. When a gallstone blocks the common bile duct, it can prevent pancreatic enzymes from flowing into the small intestine, leading to inflammation.
2. Alcohol abuse: Heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption is another common cause of pancreatitis, accounting for around 30% of cases.

Other less common causes of pancreatitis include:

• High levels of triglycerides in the blood
• Infections such as mumps or hepatitis
• Certain medications, such as steroids or tetracycline antibiotics
• Trauma to the pancreas
• Genetic factors

How common is it?

Pancreatitis can occur in people of all ages, but it is more common in adults. The incidence of acute pancreatitis is approximately 10 to 20 cases per 100,000 people per year, while chronic pancreatitis is less common, affecting about 5 to 10 per 100,000 people per year. The condition is more common in men than women, and in individuals who smoke or have a family history of the condition.

Are there types/stages?

There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that typically resolves within a few days with treatment. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to permanent damage and impair the pancreas’ ability to function properly.

Pancreatitis can be classified into different stages depending on the severity and duration of the inflammation. The two main stages of pancreatitis are acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden and severe inflammation of the pancreas that typically lasts a few days to a week. It can range from mild to severe and can sometimes be life-threatening. Acute pancreatitis is further classified into three stages based on the severity of symptoms and complications:

1. Mild acute pancreatitis is the most common form of acute pancreatitis, and symptoms typically resolve within a few days with treatment.
2. Moderate acute pancreatitis: This stage is characterized by persistent symptoms, such as abdominal pain and vomiting, and may require hospitalization.
3. Severe acute pancreatitis: This is a life-threatening form of pancreatitis that can lead to organ failure, infections, and other complications.

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that can cause permanent damage to the gland. It is characterized by repeated episodes of inflammation that can lead to fibrosis, or scarring, of the pancreatic tissue. Chronic pancreatitis can also be further classified into different stages based on the severity of symptoms and damage to the pancreas.

The stages of chronic pancreatitis include:

1. Early-stage chronic pancreatitis: There may be mild inflammation and fibrosis of the pancreas, but symptoms may not be present.
2. Moderate-stage chronic pancreatitis: Symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea may be present, and there may be more extensive damage to the pancreas.
3. Late-stage chronic pancreatitis: This stage is characterized by significant fibrosis and damage to the pancreas, which can lead to complications such as diabetes, malabsorption of nutrients, and weight loss.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To diagnose pancreatitis, doctors may perform several tests, including:

1. Blood tests: Elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase and lipase, can indicate pancreatitis.
2. Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to visualize the pancreas and detect any inflammation, swelling, or damage.
3. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This test involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the digestive tract to obtain images of the pancreas and surrounding structures.
4. Biopsy: A tissue sample may be taken from the pancreas and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In mild cases of acute pancreatitis, treatment may involve:

1. Fasting: This allows the pancreas to rest and reduces the number of digestive enzymes released.
2. Pain relief: Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to manage pain.
3. IV fluids: This is given to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance.
4. Nutritional support: A gradual food reintroduction may be recommended once symptoms improve.

In more severe cases of acute pancreatitis, hospitalization may be required, and treatment may involve:

1. Nasogastric tube: This tube is inserted through the nose and into the stomach to remove stomach contents and relieve pressure on the pancreas.
2. Surgery: In cases of gallstones or other blockages, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage.
3. Intensive care: In severe cases, intensive care may be needed to monitor organ function and provide respiratory support.

For chronic pancreatitis, treatment may involve:

1. Pain management: Medications such as opioids, antidepressants, or nerve blocks may be used to manage pain.
2. Enzyme replacement therapy involves taking pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals to aid digestion.
3. Nutritional support: A low-fat diet and nutritional supplements may be recommended to prevent malnutrition.
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged pancreatic tissue or treat complications such as blockages or infections.
5. Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption may be recommended to prevent further damage to the pancreas.

Can medical marijuana help?

There is currently limited scientific research on the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of pancreatitis. However, some studies suggest that medical marijuana may have potential benefits in managing certain symptoms of pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis can cause chronic pain, which can be difficult to manage with traditional pain medications. Some studies suggest that medical marijuana may have pain-relieving properties and may be effective in managing chronic pain associated with pancreatitis.

In addition, medical marijuana may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help reduce inflammation in the pancreas associated with acute pancreatitis.

However, it is important to note that medical marijuana is not yet approved as a standard treatment for pancreatitis, and further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks in this context. Patients with pancreatitis who are considering using medical marijuana should talk to their healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits and risks and to ensure safe and appropriate use.