Pancreatitis: Symptoms and treatment – Part 2
January 3, 2010 by
Filed under Gall Bladder Symptoms
The pancreas is a large, flat gland that sits behind the stomach. The pancreas plays an important part in digestion and metabolism. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum [small intestine] to aid in digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Normally, the digestive enzymes are not active until they reach the small intestine, but in some cases, the enzymes become active in the pancreas itself, digesting the pancreas. It also secretes insulin and glucagon into the blood stream. These two hormones are important to the body in how it uses blood glucose. A well functioning pancreas is important to the body system as a whole.
When the digestive enzymes that the pancreas secretes, for some reason, attack the pancreas itself causing inflammation, this is known as pancreatitis. This may be acute [sudden in onset, having an onset of a few days] to chronic [gradual onset with a duration of many years]. There are many causes of pancreatitis from genetic to an underlying systemic condition.
ACUTE PANCREATITIS
Acute pancreatitis has a sudden onset. It can be caused by gall stones, heavy alcohol use, medication, infection, trauma or surgery. Usually with treatment of the underlying cause, acute pancreatitis can be easily mitigated. If acute pancreatitis is left untreated though, it can lead to serious complications, even death. Acute pancreatitis can have severe bleeding in the gland, cyst formation, infection and tissue damage. There can be a release of enzymes and toxins into the blood stream which can cause serious damage to the liver, kidneys, heart or lungs.
SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS
A sudden onset of pain in the upper abdomen that can radiate to the back or chest. The pain may be severe, lasting for hours or days. The pain may be worsened by eating or alcohol consumption.
Nausea and vomiting.
Tender abdomen.
Fever.
Dehydration
Elevated heart rate
TREATMENT OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS
Initial treatment of acute pancreatitis is usually with intravenous fluids and pain medication. Secondary treatment is aimed at the underlying cause. Treatment may include surgery to remove gall stones or removal of the gall bladder. Surgery to repair the bile duct, treatment of the infection or adjustment of medications which may be a contributing factor. Prognosis is usually good with early treatment of acute pancreatitis. More severe cases may be treated in the hospital ICU.
CHRONIC PANCREATITIS
Chronic pancreatitis has a gradual onset and
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