Well I am certain that I had it as a child many times before my diagnosis. I had severe problems that they tested for everythign under the sun and I would bet money it was pancreatitis....but who would look for that in a small hick town girl only 4 years old (4-12 was main problem years). I had it a couple times as a teen.
Here is some interesting information on hydration and pancreatitis and I find the underlined blurb regarding 'mild' mutations and pancreatitis which I have underlined in 2nd paragraph very interesting.
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.pancreasfoundation.org/cgi/csNews/csNews.cgi?database=learn_pancreatitis.db&command=viewone&id=3&op=
">http://www.pancreasfoundation....mand=viewone&id=3&op=
</a><b>
Hydration and Chronic Pancreatitis
Kathianne Sellers, R.D. </b>
Proper hydration is important in the health of all people, but especially for people with chronic pancreatitis. While many people with chronic pancreatitis are aware of the need for fat restriction, few are aware of the need for adequate hydration. Many of our patients at The Pancreas Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston, MA have flares (increased pain) when they are dehydrated. While the exact reason is not known at this time, it is assumed that the lack of fluid assists in the accumulation of pancreatic sludge. This sludge can then lead to blockages which can irritate the pancreas. Dehydration often occurs due to warm temperatures and excess water losses, air travel, increased activity level, and inadequate intake. It is important to understand that thirst is a sign of dehydration and therefore not a timely indicator of our fluid needs.
Fluid needs can be met with any beverage that does not have caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol should be limited as they are diuretics and promote fluid loss and can also stimulate the pancreas. Foods with a high water content such as fruits, vegetables, and soups are also helpful in meeting fluid needs. Remember that thirst is an indicator that you are already dehydrated. Be sure to drink BEFORE you feel thirsty. Your best bet? Carry a water bottle with you!
Use the formula below to calculate your fluid needs:
Remember that on hot days or days of increased activity, your fluid needs may be higher.
Body weight X 16 = number of 8oz. cups of fluid needed per day
240
for example:
125 pounds X 16 = 2000 mL
2000mL = 8 cups (8oz. Each) of fluid needed per day
240 mL/cup
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<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.ccff.ca/page.asp?id=174
">http://www.ccff.ca/page.asp?id=174
</a>
<b>chronic pancreatitis
Idiopathic Pancreatitis</b>
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland that secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Enzymes are essential in the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. In cystic fibrosis, these digestive enzymes are unable to travel to the small intestines to digest food because of mucous blocked pancreatic ducts. In pancreatitis, the digestive enzymes become active in the pancreas (which typically would not occur) and can begin to "digest" the pancreas leading to inflammation and a myriad of other problems (gall stones, cysts and internal bleeding).
Pancreatitis is usually associated with alcoholism, however, up to 30% of cases are idiopathic (meaning pancreatitis of unknown cause or origin); however, <u>it has recently been discovered that the presence of mild mutations in the gene responsible for CF can increase the odds of pancreatitis by 40-60% in individuals who show no other symptoms of CF. </u>
The symptoms of pancreatitis include:
a gradual or sudden severe pain in the centre part of the upper abdomen that goes through to the back; this pain may get worse after eating and may build to a persistent pain
nausea and vomiting
fever
jaundice (a yellowing of the skin) due to blockage of the bile duct from the inflamed pancreas
shock
weight loss
Treatment of pancreatitis often depends on the severity and symptoms experienced. Antibiotics, oxygen, and a hospital stay (so that fluids can be replenished intravenously) are often necessary. Occasionally surgery may be necessary if cysts or gallstones have developed due to the pancreatitis.
Individuals suffering from pancreatitis are advised against drinking alcohol and eating large meals. They are also advised to eat a high carbohydrate, low-fat diet and to take enzyme supplements.
For more information visit these links:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/pancreas/pancreas.htm">http://www.niddk.nih.gov/healt.../pancreas/pancreas.htm</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.gastro.org/generalPublic.html">http://www.gastro.org/generalPublic.html</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.gastro.org/clinicalRes/brochures/pancreatitis.html">http://www.gastro.org/clinical...ures/pancreatitis.html</a>