Pancreas is described as a long flattened gland, located below the stomach and secretes pancreatic juice and releases it into our small intestine. This pancreatic juice breaks down starch into simple sugars and proteins into simpler compounds called amino acids. Pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas. A https://www.drmittalsurgery.com/pancreas removes the head of the pancreas and if necessary the body of the pancreas as well.What Is Pancreatitis?It is a disease which comprises of the inflammation of the organ. This happens when the digestive enzymes starts attacking the pancreas and are activated before releasing into the small intestine.Types of PancreatitisThere are two types of pancreatitis. They are –
- Acute pancreatitis
- Chronic pancreatitisAcute pancreatitis – This inflammation clears up within a few days, once the treatment begins. It is a sudden inflammation which lasts for a short time. Mild discomfort is common in this disease. If a person gets the proper treatment, then he can recover fully from this acute pancreatitis. Even, in some cases for gallstone pancreatitis cholecystectomy is recommended by doctors. It could be severe and life threatening there is bleeding into the gland, infection and serious tissue damage and cyst formation is seen. Vital organs, like heart, lungs and kidneys, can also get affected by severe pancreatitis.Chronic pancreatitis – This is a long lasting inflammation of the pancreas. It mainly occurs after the occurrence of acute pancreatitis. Another important cause of this disease is the habit of heavy alcohol intake. Causes of PancreatitisConditions that can lead to pancreatitis are:-
- Alcoholism
- Gallstones
- Cigarette smoking
- Cystic fibrosis
- Infection
- Abdominal surgery
- Injury to the abdomen
- Pancreatic cancer
- Certain medicationsFamily history of pancreatitisHigh calcium levels in the blood that may be caused by an overactive parathyroid gland Hypertriglyceridemia i.e. high triglyceride levels in the bloodSymptomsSymptoms of acute pancreatitis are –
- Pain in upper abdomen
- Fever
- Rapid pulse
- Nausea
- VomitingDiagnosis Several tests could be done alone or with combination for diagnosis of pancreatitis. Normally, doctors like to do the combination of blood tests and imaging studies to diagnose pancreatitis. Again USG, MRI and CT scan can reveal signs of the inflammation.Treatments of PancreatitisThe pancreas is the main and important contributor of the digestive system or process and needs some rest so that it can heal. For this, hospitalization is needed. Remember restrictions of diet, changes in lifestyle and often a surgery can heal the pancreatitis.To conclude, to lead a healthy life one should keep in mind about the causes that can led to the inflammation of the pancreas i.e. pancreatitis. For more information, please click here.
