Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. There are two different forms of Pancreatitis, acute Pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. The pancreas is located in the upper part of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas plays an important role in the digestive system it produces two types of substances that are important to digestion: digestive juices and digestive hormones.
Causes Of Pancreatitis
*Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. Gallstones from the gallbladder can block the pancreatic duct, trapping digestive juices inside the pancreas. Pancreatitis caused by gallstones is more common in women over the age of 50 years old.
*Alcohol abuse is the second most common cause of pancreatitis. Heavy alcohol use damages the pancreas causing it to become inflamed.
*A small number of cases can be caused by certain medications, exposure to certain chemicals, injury (for example from car accident), and hereditary disease, infections such as the mumps, surgery or certain medical procedures, or abnormalities of the pancreas.
Symptoms Of Pancreatitis
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include pain. The pain may come on suddenly or build up over time. Usually this pain is very severe. The pain is generally located in the upper middle or upper left part of the abdomen. The pain may travel or radiate through to the back. This pain usually lasts for days and may worsen when the patient is lying on his or her back. People may also experience nausea, fever or chills, and a rapid heartbeat. The abdomen is usually bloated and tender to the touch. Some symptoms in severe cases are weakness, lightheadedness, lethargy, irritability, confusion, and headache.
Chronic pancreatitis sufferers may not experience as much pain, but for those that do experience pain it is constant and disabling. As the condition worsens the pain may go away. This is unfortunate as it may mean the pancreas has stopped working. Long-term symptoms or complications of chronic pancreatitis are diabetes, weight loss, anemia, or liver problems.
When To Seek The Medical Assistance Of A Doctor
Most people that can’t shake the nausea associated with pancreatitis need to seek medical attention. However the following symptoms also require medical assistance:
Inability to eat, drink, or take medication
Severe pain not relieved by medication
Difficulty breathing
Pain with fever or chills, faint feeling, weakness, or fatigue
At Home Care
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