The pancreas is a long and flat gland found at the back of your abdomen. It produces certain pancreatic juices called enzymes that help in digestion by breaking down and regulating body sugar.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas gland. It can occur as an acute or a chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis – This type of pancreatitis occurs suddenly and may last for several days.
Chronic pancreatitis – Chronic pancreatitis develops gradually over several years. It usually occurs after an episode of acute pancreatitis and causes severe symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of pancreatitis depend upon its types and may vary in every person.
Acute pancreatitis symptoms include:
Chronic pancreatitis symptoms include:
Pancreatitis primarily occurs when the digestive enzymes in the pancreas become activated inside the gland itself. This can lead to the inflammation and irritation of pancreatic cells. This condition can be a result of some underlying medical condition.
Acute pancreatitis causes include:
Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis can cause damage to the organ leading to chronic pancreatitis.
Common tests and procedures done to diagnose pancreatitis include:
Pancreatitis treatment is based on the cause of condition and severity of symptoms. It usually involves medicinal intervention through the following range of protocols:
You can prevent pancreatitis by maintaining the health of your pancreas by avoiding smoking and consumption of alcohol, eating a low-fat diet and drinking more fluids.
The risk factors of pancreatitis include excessive alcohol intake, smoking, obesity, diabetes and family history of the disease.
If left untreated, pancreatitis can lead to kidney failure, breathing difficulties, pancreatic infections, diabetes, malnutrition and pancreatic cancer.
