Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis simply means inflammation of the pancreas. Located in the upper part of the abdomen, behind the stomach, this gland plays an important role in digestion producing digestive juices and digestive hormones.
Most cases of pancreatitis develop as a result of environmental and genetic factors. Mumps and other viral infections, tumors, and the use of certain drugs, including steroids, thiazide diuretics, and oral contraceptives, have all been associated with pancreatitis. Nevertheless, long-term alcohol abuse remains a leading cause of both acute and chronic pancreatitis in industrialized nations.
Acute pancreatitis usually begins with pain in the upper abdomen that may last for a few days. The pain may be severe and may become constant—just in the abdomen—or it may reach to the back and other areas. It may be sudden and intense or begin as a mild pain that gets worse when food is eaten. Other symptoms may include swollen and tender abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever and rapid pulse. Severe cases may cause dehydration and low blood pressure. The heart, lungs, or kidneys may fail. If bleeding occurs in the pancreas, shock and sometimes even death follow.
Severe acute pancreatitis usually requires a hospital stay. If complications develop, the patient may be admitted to the intensive care unit. Treatment goals include controlling the pain, allowing the pancreas to rest and restoring a normal balance of pancreatic juices.
Because the pancreas goes into action at any food intake, the patient won’t be able to eat or drink for a few days. Instead, he/she’ll receive fluids and nutrition through a vein (intravenously) or be fed through a tube that’s been passed into the stomach and intestine so that it goes past the pancreas. Longer term treatment includes therapy for alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or smoking if these factors play a role in developing pancreatitis. A team approach involving a chemical dependency counselor and a psychologist trained in cognitive therapy may be the most helpful.
When gallstones block the pancreatic duct, doctor may recommend a procedure to remove the stones. The patient may eventually need surgery to remove the gallbladder if gallstones continue to pose problems.
Mild cases of acute pancreatitis generally improve in a week or less. Moderate to severe cases take longer.