Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas.
Serious complications can occur with pancreatitis, and it can become life-threatening.
As such, prompt diagnosis and treatment, possibly with surgery, are crucial.
Illustration by Joshua Seong. © Verywell, 2018.
Pancreatitis is the most common reason for gastrointestinal-related hospital stays in the United States.
These enzymes help you digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
The pancreas also releases the hormonesinsulinand glucagon into the bloodstream.
These hormones play an important role in metabolizing sugar.
This disease takes place if the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed and then gets better.
Some people may have more than one attack, but recover fully after each one.
Havingtype 2 diabetesalso increases the risk of having a severe case of pancreatitis.
The pain is often severe, but it can also be mild.
Other symptoms include:
Approximately 15% of patients with acute pancreatitis develop severe disease.
The patient may become dehydrated and havelow blood pressure.
In the most severe cases, bleeding can occur in the pancreas, leading to shock and sometimes death.
Lipase is more specific for pancreatic inflammation than amylase.
Changes may also occur in blood levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate.
Patients may have high amounts of sugar and lipids (fats) in their blood too.
These changes help the doctor diagnose pancreatitis.
After the pancreas recovers, blood levels of these substances usually return to normal.
Treatment
The treatment a patient receives depends on how bad the attack is.
Usually, the patient is admitted to the hospital.
The doctor prescribes IV fluids to restore blood volume.
The kidneys and lungs may be treated to prevent failure.
Other problems, such as cysts in the pancreas, may need treatment too.
An acute attack usually lasts only a few days, unless the ducts are blocked by gallstones.
Surgery may be needed if complications such as infection, cysts, or bleeding occur.
Antibiotics may be given if there are signs of infection.
The bile ducts transport gallstones and blockages can occur.
Between 16% and 25% of patients with acute pancreatitis will experience another episode within a few years.
Preventing this recurrence is a major goal of treatment.
When Gallstones Are Present
Ultrasoundis used todetect gallstonesand may provide an idea of how severe pancreatitis is.
When gallstones are found,surgeryis usually needed.
It typically involves acholecystectomy(removal of the entire gallbladder).
If a gallstone is blocking one of the pancreatic ducts, the gallstone will also need to be removed.
If it is mild disease, the surgery should be done within seven days of acute pancreatitis.
This is important information that the doctor will use to determine when to remove the gallstones.
After the gallstones are removed and inflammation subsides, the pancreas usually returns to normal.
Eventually the condition impairs a person’s ability to digest food and make pancreatic hormones.
An estimated 5 to 12 cases of acute pancreatitis per 100,000 people occur each year.
It is more common in men than women and often develops between ages 30 and 40.
The symptoms may be the same.
Pain may be constant in the back and abdomen; for some, the pain attacks are disabling.
In some cases, the abdominal pain goes away as the condition advances.
Doctors think this happens because pancreatic enzymes are no longer being made by the pancreas.
Patients with this disease often lose weight, even when their appetite and eating habits are normal.
Poor digestion leads to loss of fat, protein, and sugar into the stool.
Diagnosis may be difficult but is aided by a number of new techniques.
Pancreatic function tests help the physician decide if the pancreas can still make enough digestive enzymes.
The treatment for chronic pancreatitis usually involves relieving pain and managing nutritional and metabolic problems.
This will result in better nutrition and weight gain.
Sometimes insulin or other drugs must be given to control the patient’s blood sugar.
In some cases, surgery is needed to relieve pain by draining an enlarged pancreatic duct.
Sometimes, part or most of the pancreas is removed in an attempt to relieve chronic pain.
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