Acute pancreatitis is inflammation and pain of the pancreas over a short period of time. The pancreas is a small organ that rests behind the stomach. It produces enzymes that aid in digestion and hormones that help control how your body processes sugar. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it is usually from some kind of injury, like gallstones blocking a duct in the pancreas or from too much alcohol intake.
Mild cases of acute pancreatitis can be treated, and you should soon feel better. Severe cases of acute pancreatitis can affect other body organs, so it is important to see a healthcare professional if you suspect you may have acute pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis may have various signs and symptoms. The following are the most common ones that are concerning for acute pancreatitis:
If you develop abdominal pain along with any of these symptoms, you should see a healthcare professional for further examination. If your abdominal pain becomes so severe that you have difficulty sitting or finding a comfortable position, you should seek emergency care to avoid more serious complications.
The two main causes of acute pancreatitis are gallstones and heavy alcohol consumption. Sometimes gallstones block the drainage of pancreatic juices from the pancreas. When this blockage happens, digestive enzymes are unable to leave the pancreas as they normally should, and as a result, the enzymes start to digest the pancreas itself. This causes inflammation and pain.
The toxic by-products from alcohol intake chemically activate enzymes in the pancreas or cause the pancreas to become inflamed and painful. Other factors that increase the risk for acute pancreatitis include smoking, obesity, family history, and diabetes. Sometimes the cause of acute pancreatitis may remain unknown.
Various tests may be done to diagnose acute pancreatitis. Blood tests will be done to check pancreatic enzyme levels and white blood cells. A stool test may be ordered to check if your digestive system is functioning properly. An abdominal ultrasound, an MRI, or a CT scan may also be ordered. These imaging tests can show abnormalities in the gallbladder or pancreas areas, like inflammation and blockages.
It is important to treat and manage acute pancreatitis to reduce the risk of other major issues like kidney and lung problems, infection in the body, malnutrition, and diabetes. If left untreated, acute pancreatitis can also become chronic or long-term pancreatitis. Here are several ways to treat and manage acute pancreatitis.
Using one or more of these treatments, most people are able to overcome pancreatitis. However, it’s important to make the necessary changes so that it doesn’t reoccur and turn into chronic pancreatitis.