Chronic Pancreatitis
Female, 34, suffering from Chronic Pancreatitis. Pancreatic duct dilated measuring 4.7mm. Multiple calcifications noted in the pancreas.
In this article, we will take a look at:
You can click on any of the links above to navigate to the section of your interest.
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.
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.
You could be at the risk of getting pancreatitis if:
The symptoms of pancreatitis include:
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.
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:
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.
Most of the patients with acute pancreatitis can recover completely after proper treatment of underlying causes.
Some of the organizations like National Pancreatitis Foundation provide support and resources for healthy life with pancreatitis.
Skin discoloration can be noticed around belly button or the side of body, in case of severe or acute pancreatitis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, a major nerve of hand travelling through the wrist, gets compressed. This situation leads to numbness, pain and tingling in the arms and hand.
Tooth pain or toothache is caused when the nerve to a tooth is irritated. There are numerous causes for tooth pain. If you have a fever, earache or pain upon opening your mouth wide, you should visit a dentist immediately.
When, in any part of the human body, there is loss of muscle function, it is called paralysis. This condition happens when something goes gravely wrong between the manner in which messages are passed by the brain and the muscles.