Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which secretes digestive enzymes and hormones. It can occur acutely or chronically, with symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Common causes include gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption. Diagnosis is through blood tests, ultrasounds, or CT scans. Treatment includes hospitalization, antibiotics, and a bland liquid diet.
Pancreatitis is simply defined as inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland in the abdomen, located behind the stomach, that secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. In addition to secreting enzymes to digest carbohydrates, fats and proteins, the pancreas also releases insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.
Pancreatitis can occur both acutely and chronically. Although rare, this condition can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly, statistically more in men than in women, and most patients recover from a bout of acute pancreatitis. Symptoms include abdominal pain that can be sudden and severe or start mild and worse after meals. Nausea and vomiting are often symptoms, and swelling or tenderness in the abdomen may also be present.
Gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption are common causes of acute pancreatitis; however, if those causes are ruled out, a doctor will need to perform further tests to determine the cause. Chronic pancreatitis is a persistent condition, often caused by long-term overeating. Chronic pancreatitis causes the pancreas to slowly break down and over time affects other vital organs, such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart, as toxins excreted by the diseased pancreas pass through the body. In severe cases, bleeding may also occur.
This condition can be diagnosed with a simple blood test, although sometimes an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan may also be ordered to check for gallstones that could be blocking the pancreatic duct or other complications. Short-term hospitalization is common with acute pancreatitis, and surgery may be necessary if gallstones or cysts are present and will interfere with pancreatic healing. Because the pancreas plays a role in digestion, many people who experience an acute attack cannot eat for a few days. Fluids, along with antibiotics if needed, are given intravenously, followed by a bland liquid diet while the pancreas heals. In severe cases, a feeding tube may be needed for one to three weeks.
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