Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Complications and Treatment

Contents

In this article, we will take a look at:

• What is Pancreatitis?
• How does Pancreatitis occur?
• Who is prone to Pancreatitis?
• Symptoms of Pancreatitis
• Diagnosis of Pancreatitis
• Complications of Pancreatitis
• Treatment for Pancreatitis

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What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis which occurs in the pancreas, is caused due to pathological inflammation in the pancreas. The pancreas help in digestion of the food by secreting digestive enzymes. Pancreatitis can either occur occasionally or may persist for a longer period.

• It can cause damage to kidneys, liver, digestive system and pancreas.
• Pancreatitis can be found in two forms- Acute Pancreatitis and Chronic Pancreatitis.
• Acute Pancreatitis
• Acute pancreatitis occurs with mild attacks, immediately after the damage to the pancreas.
• Chronic Pancreatitis
• Chronic Pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas, which occurs regularly for a long period.

How does Pancreatitis occur?

Pancreatitis mostly occurs due to the excessive use of alcohol and presence of gallstones. However, genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis can also be one of the reasons for this problem. Trauma and hereditary diseases could also be the reasons contributing to Pancreatitis. Specific type of medications, certain surgical procedures and genetic abnormalities might also cause pancreatitis. Not getting adequate nutrients could also lead to the problem.

Who is prone to Pancreatitis?

You could be at the risk of getting pancreatitis if:

• You have family history of pancreatitis.
• You are exposed to chemicals.
• You have high fat levels in blood.
• You consume alcohol.
• You have gallstones.
• You have experienced any injury or trauma.
• You have a hereditary disease.
• You have infections like mumps.
• You have any abnormality of pancreas or intestine.
• You smoke.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis? How is pancreatitis diagnosed?

The symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• Indigestion.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Abdominal pain or tenderness.
• Weight loss.
• Hiccups.
• Fever.
• Steatorrhea.
• Bloating with swollen abdomen.
• Liver problems.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Inability to digest food.
• Inability to produce insulin.
• Diabetes.
• Anaemia or low blood count.

Diagnosis

If the doctor suspects pancreatitis, he might perform several blood tests to check the level of pancreatic enzymes. The doctor might suggest a few laboratory tests as well to check the entire body system. He might ask for diagnostic imaging tests like X- ray, CT scan, MRI or ultrasound to check for the presence of gall stones in the pancreas and actual damage caused due to it. The doctor might use an endoscope to get a clear view of pancreas and the nearby structures.

What are the complications of pancreatitis?

If the symptoms get diagnosed at the right time, then pancreatitis can be cured without much problem and damage. The inflammation can be reduced, and other symptoms can be subsided. Some of the other complications, which might arise due to pancreatitis include:

• Diabetes.
• Pancreatic cancer.
• Kidney damage.
• Breathing difficulties.
• Malnutrition.
• Pancreatic infection.

What is the treatment for pancreatitis?

The treatment for pancreatitis totally depends on the signs and symptoms shown by the patients. It generally involves hospitalization. Medications and changes in the diet are the primary method of treatment given to reduce the symptoms and suppress inflammation. The doctor might provide oral pancreatic enzymes in the form of pills to help in the digestion of food, in some of the cases. In case of gallstones or any other blockage, the doctor might suggest a surgery to remove the same.