The Doc Replies
Our expert answers your medical questions
My husband is having trouble with his pancreas, but I’m not sure what it does. Can you explain? I can talk to patients about certain organs – the brain, stomach, heart – and generally they know the job it does. The pancreas is a slightly different matter. When I talk about it, most people glaze over. Usually it helps to explain what this poorly understood organ does. Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is part of the digestive system and has two main roles. The first is to create enzymes, which help break down food so it can be absorbed from our gut. The pancreas has a duct that leads into the duodenum – the first part of the small intestine – and the enzymes flow into this area. Its other main role is to release hormones into the blood, the most important one being insulin. As people with diabetes know, insulin is vital when it comes to controlling sugar levels in the body. Problems with the pancreas can be a tough one for GPs. But with better tests and treatments, those with pancreatic problems have a better outlook than they once did. Occasionally I go through phases of waking up at 4am with a blocked and runny nose and a lot of mucus in my throat. It almost feels like an allergy. It’s possible this is an allergy. Some people have a reaction to something like feathers or house dust mites and can feel a little blocked up. Making sure that your room is adequately ventilated should help to improve the problem. I’ve lost an awful lot of weight in the last six months – more than two stone. I haven’t changed my eating habits. Should this be checked out by the doctor? This does seem to be quite a large amount of weight to lose in a short time. I would recommend you see your doctor urgently to have some tests done. Most people will associate marked weight loss like this as due to cancer and are often frightened to see their doctor – but there are also other reasons for weight loss such as diabetes and problems with the thyroid gland. It’s important you get checked out soon.