Table Of Contents
- What is Acute Pancreatitis?
- What are the causes of Acute Pancreatitis?
- What are the symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?
- How is Acute Pancreatitis diagnosed?
- How is Acute Pancreatitis treated?
What is Acute Pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly. Abdominal pain is its most common symptom. It normally passes in a few days, although it can become severe and very serious at times. Gallstones and excessive alcohol are the two most common causes of acute pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland in the upper belly that sits behind the stomach. The pancreas generates digestive enzymes as well as hormones that regulate how your body consumes sugar (glucose).
Acute pancreatitis is a type of pancreatitis that occurs unexpectedly and lasts for days. Some people develop severe or chronic pancreatitis that happens over many years.
While mild cases can be treated, severe cases can lead to life-threatening.
What are the causes of Acute Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis develops when digestive enzymes are stimulated while still being in the pancreas, which can cause irritation and inflammation in the pancreatic cells.
Damage to the pancreas can happen due to constant attacks of acute pancreatitis, which eventually results in chronic pancreatitis. The pancreas develops scar tissue, resulting in loss of function. A malfunctioning pancreas can lead to digestion issues and even diabetes.
Some of the conditions that can cause acute pancreatitis are:
- Gallstones
- Alcoholism
- Certain medicines
- High triglyceride levels in the blood
- Pancreatic cancer
- Abdominal surgery
- Cystic fibrosis
- Infection
- Abdomen injury
- Overweight issues
- High calcium levels in the blood due to an overactive parathyroid gland
- Trauma
At times, the cause for pancreatitis is not found at all. This is called idiopathic pancreatitis.
What are the symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?
The symptoms of pancreatitis may differ as per the type you are experiencing.
Acute pancreatitis symptoms:
- Abdominal pain that releases to your back
- Tenderness when touching the abdomen
- Upper abdominal pain
- Fever
- Rapid pulse rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Chronic pancreatitis signs and symptoms are:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating
- Losing weight even when you are not trying
- Oily, smelly stools
How is Acute Pancreatitis diagnosed?
The following tests and methods are used to diagnose pancreatitis.
- Stool tests – to check for chronic pancreatitis to detect fat levels that indicate that your digestive system isn’t absorbing nutrients correctly.
- Blood test – to check for high levels of pancreatic enzymes, as well as white blood cells, kidney function, and liver enzymes
- Ultrasound – abdominal ultrasound to check for gallstones and any pancreas inflammation
- CT scan – to check for gallstones and determine the amount of pancreas inflammation
- MRI – to check the gallbladder, pancreas, and ducts for any abnormal behavior
- Endoscopic ultrasound – to detect inflammation and blocks in the pancreatic and bile ducts
Based on your situation, your doctor can suggest additional tests.
How is Acute Pancreatitis treated?
Initial treatments in the clinic may include:
- You should start drinking clear liquids and consuming simple foods when your pancreas inflammation and any discomfort symptoms improve. You can gradually return to the regular diet. If your pancreatitis problems still persist and you still feel pain while eating, your doctor may provide a feeding tube that assists you in getting nourishment.
- Early eating – In the past, it was advised that you stop eating for two days of treatment to allow your pancreas to heal. This isn’t done anymore. Newer research suggests that eating as early as you can digest food helps pancreas healing.
- IV fluids – You may get dehydrated as your body focuses energy and fluids on fixing your pancreas. As a result, during your hospital stay, you’ll be given extra fluids intravenously.
- Pain relievers – Pancreatitis can be extremely painful. Your medical practitioner will prescribe painkillers to soothe any discomfort.
Your doctor will evaluate and treat the cause of your pancreatitis after your pancreatitis is in control. Treatment options for pancreatitis depend on the cause. They may include:
- Removing bile duct blockages – Pancreatitis that happens due to narrow or blocked bile duct may need measures to dilate the bile duct. Using ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), a long tube with a camera is passed down the throat to send pictures of your digestive system to a monitor.
- An alcohol addiction treatment program – Pancreatitis can be caused due to alcohol consumption. If this is the source of your pancreatitis, your doctor may suggest that you undergo an alcohol addiction treatment program. Continued alcohol consumption will aggravate your pancreatitis and lead to significant problems.
- Gallbladder surgery – If gallstones are the cause of your pancreatitis, your doctor may ask you to undergo gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy).
- Pancreatic Procedures – Endoscopic treatments may be required to drain fluid from your pancreas or remove damaged tissue.
- Changes in medication – If a medicine is suspected of causing acute pancreatitis, your doctor may advise you to stop taking it and work with you to seek alternate treatments.
- Changes in diet – a dietician can help you plan low-fat meals with high nutrients to alleviate pancreatitis.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of pancreatitis, consult your health practitioner immediately.
