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Saturday, 30 July 2011

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. This gland secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct.

There are two types of Pancreatitis:

1. Acute Pancreatitis
2. Chronic Pancreatitis

1. Acute Pancreatitis:

Acute Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly and the condition will be normal with in  few days after treatment. The causes of acute Pancreatitis are abdominal trauma, certain medications, bacterial infections, tumors and genetic problems.

Symptoms:

Acute Pancreatitis usually begins with slight upper abdomen pain that some times extends through the back. The pain is more after eating. People with acute Pancreatitis usually look and feel very ill and needs immediate medical attention. Other symptoms may include:

• A swollen and tender abdomen
• Vomiting and Nausea
• Fever
• Rapid and irregular pulse

Diagnosis:

Depending upon the condition of the patient the doctor will order a blood test to assist the diagnosis. During Acute Pancreatitis, the blood contains at least three times the normal amount of amylase and lipase, digestive enzymes formed in the pancreas. Once the patient condition is normal the levels come to normal. The doctor will order some more tests depending upon the condition of the patient like Abdominal ultra sound, CT Scan, Endoscope ultrasound, MRCP.

Treatment:

Treatment for acute Pancreatitis requires a few days stay in the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and medication to relieve pain. After the patient got recovered with Acute Pancreatitis the doctor advised not to smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or don’t eat fatty meals.

2. Chronic Pancreatitis:

Chronic Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that leads to permanent damage. Chronic Pancreatitis is severe when compared to acute Pancreatitis. The main cause of chronic Pancreatitis is the use of heavy alcohols. Other causes of chronic Pancreatitis are:

• Medications
• Hypercalcemia - high levels of calcium in the blood.
• Certain Autoimmune conditions
• Cystic fibrosis
• Hereditary disorders of pancreas

Symptoms:

The symptoms are same as like the Acute Pancreatitis. Other symptoms include

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Oily stools

Diagnosis:

Chronic Pancreatitis is often confused with acute Pancreatitis because the symptoms are similar. In advanced stage of Pancreatitis malabsorption and diabetes can occur. The common diagnosis tests are

• Abdominal ultra sound
• CT Scan
• Endoscope ultrasound
• MRCP

Treatment:

People with chronic Pancreatitis treated with pain medications, fluids given trough a vein (IV). Diet plays an important role for people with chronic Pancreatitis.

• Drinking plenty of liquids
• Eating a low fat diet
• Limiting caffeine
• Taking vitamin rich supplement diet.

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