Pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas, may be benign, but that does not mean that it is harmless. Even mild cases of pancreatitis result in severe pain and can lead to rapid death. Pancreatitis can also be chronic, in which case, it causes sclerosis of the pancreas, possibly ending up in the organ’s complete destruction. There are numerous factors responsible for pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis mostly affects women and is almost always caused by a gallstone. Initially, the complications of gallstone only cause benign oedematous pancreatitis that is not too painful. But when it is poorly treated, it evolves into ulcerative pancreatitis, and often becomes deadly. Other causes include alcohol, certain medications or an injury caused by an endoscopy. Acute pancreatitis is characterized by very intense pain that affects the solar plexus or the pit of the stomach. Chronic pancreatitis is mainly caused by chronic alcoholism. Alcohol causes sclerosis that attack the organ and the disease is prone to a number of complications that result in several acute attacks. This type of pancreatitis is easily recognizable by the patients’ extreme weight loss and fatty diarrhoeas. Another important sign is the sharp pain felt under the sternum that also spreads to the back.
When the affection has not yet reached a critical threshold, it is possible to relieve the patient by giving him or her Phosphorus 5 CH combined to Iodum 5 CH. It is necessary to take three granules of each remedy three times per day, alternating between both and continuing the treatment until the patient’s condition improves.
In some specific cases, the homoeopath usually takes the symptoms into account before suggesting a form of treatment. For example, if pancreatitis is accompanied by foul breath, and a tongue that retains the teeth’s imprint when slightly bitten, it is necessary to prescribe Mercurus solubilis. Belladonna is the most suitable treatment if the patient is very thirsty, feels less pain when lying on his or her stomach and is subject to violent and sudden pain accompanied by shakes. Alcohol-dependent patients whose pancreatitis is accompanied by oily and foul-smelling stools must take Arsenicum album. When pancreatitis is accompanied by feelings of warmth in the abdomen and whitish stools, the affected person must take Spongia tosta. Finally, Argentum nitricum is the recommended remedy for those suffering from diarrhoeal pancreatitis that is accompanied by very loud belching and epigastric pain in the left hypochondrium.
Several symptoms should prompt a person suffering from pancreatitis to consult a doctor who will be able to provide the best treatment possible. When the patient suffers from a fever and jaundice, regardless of whether both appear together or not, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible. It should also be the case when the patient’s weight loss is accompanied by pain and diarrhoea without fever or vomiting.
• Phosphorus
Good to know: Pancreatitis is an acute inflammation of the pancreas that can be treated with the help of homoeopathic products. Given its renowned therapeutic virtues, the use of phosphorus is recommended in almost all cases of pancreatitis.
