Acute Pancreatitis
Description
Acute pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas in a short period of time. The pancreas is a small organ that helps in digestion, produces insulin that controls the blood sugar level, and is located behind the stomach.
Symptoms
Mild to severe abdominal pain is the main symptom of acute pancreatitis. Other symptoms may include :
- Nausea and vomiting
- Respiratory failure
- Fever
- Mild jaundice
Visit a General Practice doctor (General Practitioner) if you have severe abdominal pain, you might be referred to a Gastroenterology doctor (Gastroenterologist) for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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View MoreCauses
Causes of acute pancreatitis may include :
- Gallstones
- Alcohol use
- Certain medications
- High triglyceride levels in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia)
- High calcium levels in the blood, which may be caused by an overactive parathyroid gland.
- Pancreatic cancer
- Abdominal surgery
- Cystic fibrosis
- Infection
- Injury to the abdomen
- Obesity
Diagnostics
Adding to the physical examination including the symptoms you are suffering from, your doctor may request the following tests :
- Blood tests to detect elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes.
- Abdominal ultrasound to look for gallstones and pancreas inflammation.
- CT scan to look for gallstones and assess the extent of pancreas inflammation.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for abnormalities in the gallbladder, pancreas, and ducts.
- Endoscopic ultrasound to look for inflammation and blockages in the pancreatic duct or bile duct.
Treatment
Treatment of acute pancreatitis includes controlling the inflammation and managing the symptoms. Most patients with acute pancreatitis get better within a few days.
