The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen behind the stomach. Its primary functions are to aid digestion by producing pancreatic enzymes to help break down food and insulin to stabilize blood sugar levels. These functions are adversely affected whenever the pancreas becomes infected or inflamed.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas due to infection, an underlying medical condition or reaction to certain medications. It can either acute or chronic, and in both cases it may cause bleeding and tissue death around or in the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis, in which pancreatic tissue dies, known as necrotizing pancreatitis, is potentially life-threatening because enzymes and toxins can leak into the abdomen and cause internal bleeding.
Symptoms
Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back and is worse after eating is one of the symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Other symptoms include abdominal pain that goes away when you lean forward or lie in a fetal position, fever, sweating, rapid heart rate and breathing, nausea, vomiting or tenderness in the abdomen. Signs of chronic pancreatitis include oily, smelly stools, unexplained weight loss, indigestion and upper abdominal pain. You should get immediate medical attention if you have severe abdominal pain that makes it difficult to sit still or assume a comfortable position.
Causes
Gallstones blocking the pancreatic ducts and excessive alcohol consumption are the most common causes of acute and chronic pancreatitis, respectively. Diseases such as cystic fibrosis, mumps, hepatitis, rubella and mononucleosis can also cause pancreatitis. High triglycerides also contribute to pancreatitis. Drugs such as the antibiotic tetracycline, corticosteroids, sulfonamides and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can also cause pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can also occur due to trauma or injury to the abdomen, or surgery to the heart, lungs or abdomen that disrupts blood supply to the pancreas and causes tissue damage.
Diagnosis
Blood tests, computed tomography or CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds may be performed to diagnose pancreatitis. Your doctor may also do a pancreatic function test to see how well your pancreas is functioning. He may also want to do a stool test for excess fat, which would be an indication that your pancreas is not functioning properly.
Treatment
Treatment for acute pancreatitis involves hospitalization, where you receive pain medication and intravenous fluids/nutrition. You will fast for a specified period of time to allow your pancreas to rest and heal. If your pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, they will be removed surgically or through other methods as determined by your doctor. Chronic pancreatitis treatment involves addressing alcohol addiction if it is the cause. Other options include dietary modification, pain management and enzyme supplements. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a presence of infection, and surgery may be necessary to remove damaged or infected pancreatic tissue.
