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What is Pancreatitis?

J. Beam
J. Beam

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. Besides secreting enzymes for digesting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, the pancreas also releases insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.

Pancreatits can occur both acutely and chronically. Though rare, this condition can be severe and possibly life threatening. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly, statistically more in men than women, and most patients recover from an attack of acute pancreatitis. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen that may be sudden and severe or begin mildly and worsen after meals. Nausea and vomiting are often symptoms, and swelling or tenderness of the abdomen may also be present.

Gallstones may cause acute pancreatitis.
Gallstones may cause acute pancreatitis.

Gallstones and excessive consumption of alcohol 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 excessive drinking. Chronic pancreatitis results in the slow destruction of the pancreas and in time effects other vital organs, such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart, as excreted toxins from the diseased pancreas pass through the body. In severe cases, bleeding can also occur.

Excessive drinking may cause acute pancreatitis.
Excessive drinking may cause acute pancreatitis.

This condition can be diagnosed with a simple blood test, although sometimes an abdominal ultrasound or CAT scan may also be ordered to check for gallstones that may be blocking the pancreatic duct or other complications. Short-term hospitalization is common with acute pancreatitis, and surgery may be required if gallstones or cysts are present and will interfere with the healing of the pancreas. Because the pancreas plays a role in digestion, many people who suffer an acute attack cannot eat for a few days. Fluids, along with antibiotics if necessary, are given intravenously, followed by a bland liquid diet as the pancreas heals. In severe cases, a feeding tube may be required for one to three weeks.

Discussion Comments

anon70546

Beware. My mother was a victim of a doctor's error. She had a routine endoscopy that resulted in pancreatitis, that resulted in death. Take care

anon46780

Mine came from or was made worse by strong medication for my eczema. I can't drink any alcohol now as it gived me terrible heartburn type of pain. My operation can not come soon enough.

bananas

It seems that to remove the biggest cause of pancreatitis, meaning excessive and prolonged use of alcohol, is the easiest way of preventing it. However, there are other reasons too, that one gets pancreatitis that are not so easily resolved. In some cases pancreatitis is actually inherited.

For those who live with the problem, have to eat easily digestable food, drink lots of fluid, and be on medication prescribed by a doctor to alleviate the pain.

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    • Gallstones may cause acute pancreatitis.
      By: roblan
      Gallstones may cause acute pancreatitis.
    • Excessive drinking may cause acute pancreatitis.
      By: stokkete
      Excessive drinking may cause acute pancreatitis.
    • A blood test may be performed to diagnose pancreatitis.
      By: angellodeco
      A blood test may be performed to diagnose pancreatitis.
    • Individuals suffering with pancreatitis may require short-term hospitalization.
      By: Monkey Business
      Individuals suffering with pancreatitis may require short-term hospitalization.
    • Several abdominal organs, including the pancreas.
      Several abdominal organs, including the pancreas.
    • Acute pancreatitis can cause nausea.
      By: ftlaudgirl
      Acute pancreatitis can cause nausea.
    • Following a bout of pancreatitis, a patient should eat a bland diet that includes rice.
      By: womue
      Following a bout of pancreatitis, a patient should eat a bland diet that includes rice.
    • The pancreas gland aids in digestion and produces insulin.
      By: pixdesign123
      The pancreas gland aids in digestion and produces insulin.