Inflammation of the pancreas is a health condition called pancreatitis. Immune system activity provokes inflammation that leads to pain, swelling, and organ function changes. This organ looks like a long and flat gland located behind the stomach. It helps to digest food and control blood sugar.
There are two types of pancreatitis such as acute (that lasts a short period and disappears on its own) and chronic (in such cases, the condition may be life-long). Chronic pancreatitis can worsen over time. While acute pancreatitis does not require treatment, chronic pancreatitis often needs treatment in a hospital. If you ignore this disease, it may lead to some dangerous complications.
Symptoms
Check below some acute pancreatitis symptoms:
The following symptoms can occur in people with chronic pancreatitis. Examples include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Worsening of the abdominal pain after a meal
- Smelly and oily stools
Those who suffer from the chronic form of this disease usually notice symptoms after they have pancreatitis complications.
Immediately contact your healthcare professional if sudden belly pain occurs.
Causes
This organ has two important roles. One of them is to produce insulin that helps to regulate blood sugars and make dietary juices (known as enzymes) that help to digest food that enters the stomach. Moreover, dietary juices also help to break down the proteins in the small intestine. However, if pancreas enzymes begin work too soon, it may lead to irritation and damage which destroy the cells. As a result, the body’s defense (immune system) responds to swelling, which can negatively affect the pancreas function. Check below some diseases that could contribute to or even cause pancreatitis:
- Gallstones that provoke bile duct blockages
- Misuse of alcoholic drinks
- Medications
- Increased levels of triglycerides or calcium in the blood
- Cancer of the pancreas
- Injuries caused by surgery or trauma
Additionally, the following health problems can lead to chronic pancreatitis. For example:
- Recurrent acute pancreatitis
- Inherited genes
- Elevated triglycerides or calcium levels in the blood
In some cases, the exact pancreatitis cause cannot be found. In such cases, it is known as idiopathic pancreatitis.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop this health problem. However, the following factors could elevate your risk. Examples include:
- Increased alcohol intake – As per studies, those who misuse alcoholic beverages are at higher risk of getting pancreatitis.
- Smoking – This is another factor that could lead to pancreatitis. Quit smoking or never start.
- Obesity – Those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more also are at increased risk of pancreatitis.
- Diabetes
- Family history of pancreatitis – Experts found certain genes linked to chronic pancreatitis.
Complications
If you ignore and do not treat this health problem, it may lead to some complications. Check below some of them:
- Kidney failure – People with acute pancreatitis can also experience poor kidney function. In other words, the kidneys cannot filter waste from the blood. In such cases, doctors may recommend dialysis.
- Trouble breathing – This pancreas disease may also lead to lung function changes. Therefore, oxygen levels in the blood can fall to life-threatening low levels.
- Infections – People with acute form of pancreatitis are more likely to develop infections. For instance, an infection of the pancreas usually is serious and requires treatment or sometimes surgery to remove the infected pancreas part.
- Malnutrition – When pancreatitis occurs, the organ cannot produce enough enzymes to digest the food from the stomach. Thus, it may lead to malnutrition, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Diabetes – Damage to the cells that make insulin also can happen in people with chronic pancreatitis.
- Cancer of the pancreas – An elevated risk of pancreatic cancer has people who have suffered from pancreatitis for a long time.
- Pseudocyst – This is a buildup of fluid and debris in the pancreas. Large pseudocysts can provoke complications including internal bleeding and infection.
Diagnosis
To diagnose this condition, doctors usually perform a physical examination to check for abdominal tenderness or pain. They can also ask you some questions about symptoms and medical history. In case your doctor is not sure whether you have pancreatitis or not, you may need to do additional tests to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. Check below some tests:
- Ultrasound – This test shows gallbladder or pancreas problems.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan – This test can also help to determine gallstones in the gallbladder and inflammation of the pancreas.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Commonly, doctors perform this test to check for abnormal tissues in the pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder.
- Endoscopic ultrasound – It involves a small tube that is inserted into the mouth and digestive system to determine if you have gallstones, cancer, inflammation, or any blockages in the pancreatic duct.
- Stool tests – It is usually done to measure fat levels that may indicate digestive system problems.
- Blood tests – These tests are used to determine how the body’s defense and pancreas work.
Treatment
Treatment of pancreatitis includes management of the symptoms and complications in a hospital because there are no specific treatments for this disease. For example:
- Painkillers – Your doctor may prescribe some medicines to help relieve pain.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids – This treatment option is used to prevent dehydration.
- Nutrition – Sometimes, a feeding tube is used but generally people start eating when they can do that without pain or vomiting.
Check below some treatments used for underlying causes:
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – This is a procedure that helps to open bile ducts.
- Gallbladder surgery – If you experience pancreatitis due to gallstones, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
- Pancreas procedures – Sometimes, doctors may use an endoscope to remove excess fluid from the pancreas or affected tissue.
- Alcohol dependence treatment – Some people may experience pancreatitis due to misuse of alcoholic drinks. In such cases, they get an additional treatment that will help with alcohol dependence.
- Medications change – If you experience pancreas conditions due to medicines, doctors may lower the dose or even change the medicine.
Those who suffer from a chronic type of pancreatitis may require additional treatments. These usually include:
- Dietary changes – These usually include low-fat meals rich in fiber and nutrients.
- Enzymes – If you experience weight loss and diarrhea due to chronic pancreatitis, your doctor may order you to administer pancreatic enzyme supplements. Therefore, you will administer supplements along with each meal to help the body break down and assimilate nutrients.
- Management of the pain – Usually, a chronic form of pancreatitis provokes severe pain for long periods. In such cases, physicians can prescribe injections that block nerve signals between the pancreas and brain or certain procedures that help to improve drainage from the pancreas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pancreatitis a life-threatening condition?
In severe cases, it may lead to some dangerous complications and can be fatal. If you notice sudden abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, it is advised to see a doctor right away.
What foods should be avoided by people who were diagnosed with pancreatitis?
- Cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, cookies, and other pastries
- Snack foods (including potato chips, nut and granola bars, and mixed nuts
- Sausage, salami, and bacon
- Fried or buttered foods
- Whole milk, chocolate, processed cheese, egg yolks, and ice cream
For more details, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
What are medications that could provoke pancreatitis?
- Valproate
- Medicines used in diabetes treatment
- Antidepressants
- Estrogen
- Corticosteroids
- Diuretics
- Aminosalicylates
In case you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
