Acute Pancreatitis

Acute Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis is sudden swelling and 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. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Normally, digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas do not become active until they reach the small intestine. When these enzymes somehow become active inside the pancreas, they eat (and digest) the tissue of the pancreas. This causes swelling, bleeding (hemorrhage), and damage to the pancreas and its blood vessels.

Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms The main symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain felt in the upper left side or middle of the abdomen. The pain: May be worse within minutes after eating or drinking at first, especially if foods have a high fat content Becomes constant and more severe, lasting for several days May be worse when lying flat on the back May spread (radiate) to the back or below the left shoulder blade People with acute pancreatitis often look ill and have a fever, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Other symptoms that may occur with this disease include: Gaseous abdominal fullness Hiccups Indigestion Jaundice

Acute Pancreatitis Diagnosis Symptoms: acute abdomen pain, fever, nausea, vomiting blood contains at least three times the normal amount of amylase and lipase, digestive enzymes formed in the pancreas. Abdominal ultrasound CT scan

Acute Pancreatitis Treatment Treatment for acute pancreatitis requires a few days' stay in the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and medication to relieve pain. The person cannot eat or drink so the pancreas can rest. If vomiting occurs, a tube may be placed through the nose and into the stomach to remove fluid and air. Unless complications arise, acute pancreatitis usually resolves in a few days. In severe cases, the person may require nasogastric feeding—a special liquid given in a long, thin tube inserted through the nose and throat and into the stomach—for several weeks while the pancreas heals.

Acute Pancreatitis Prevention Alcohol misuse and gallstones are the two leading risk factors for acute pancreatitis. Both of these risk factors can be reduced by making changes to the diet and lifestyle. Avoiding heavy alcohol use will help to prevent pancreatitis. Anyone who already has had one episode of pancreatitis caused by alcohol should stop drinking entirely. This is crucial to prevent the condition from coming back or becoming chronic. The most effective way to prevent gallstones is to eat a healthy, low-fat diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.