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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is Acute Pancreatitis?
- What Causes Acute Pancreatitis?
- What are the Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?
- How is Acute Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
- What are the Complications of Acute Pancreatitis?
- What is the Treatment for Acute Pancreatitis?
What is Acute Pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach that helps digest food and maintain blood sugar levels. The acute pancreatitis can ranges from mild to severe, in terms of severity. Whereas, in extreme cases, there can be severe complications involving organ damage..
What Causes Acute Pancreatitis?
The causes can be direct, involving direct damage to the pancreas, or can be indirect, resulting from a condition somewhere else in the body.
Among direct causes,
- Gallstones continue to be the main culprit. They tend to lodge in the ducts resulting in blockage, thus, impairing the further flow of fluid to and from the pancreas, causing swelling and inflammation.
Other reasons can be,
- autoimmune cells attacking the pancreas,
- damage from surgery,
- excessive triglycerides (fats) in the blood,
- alcohol abuse,
- viral infections,
- long-term usage of steroids.
What are the Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?
The pain is sudden and severe, starting from the abdomen and then radiating to the back and the shoulder region.
Pain is usually accompanied with,
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Mild jaundice
How is Acute Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
After a comprehensive physical exam and referring to the patient’s medical history, the doctor can prescribe a range of tests, usually blood tests and some scans.
Blood tests help to measure amylase and lipase (enzymes released during the pancreatic attack).
Scans include ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans.
What are the Complications of Acute Pancreatitis?
Most of the cases are mild, but if left untreated, can result in various complications like,
- Pseudocysts (fluid-filled cavities) in the pancreas
- Kidney damage
- Malnutrition
- Pancreatic cancer
What is the Treatment for Acute Pancreatitis?
It is not possible to reverse the damage done, but it is possible to stop the further spread of the infection, which forms the base of the treatment regime.
During treatment;
- Fluids are given to prevent dehydration
- Good oxygen supply is essential
- Nutritional support is given as the patient is advised not to eat solid food, which might strain the pancreas.
- Painkillers for symptomatic treatment
- Removal of the necrotic part
Treating the underlying cause is the next treatment step to eradicate the problem from the roots.
Generally, the patient is advised to stay away from alcohol and tobacco.
Acute pancreatitis is treatable when diagnosed at the right time, so don’t forget to visit your doctor if you face any relevant symptoms.
