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What Is Pancreatitis?

The document provides information about pancreatitis including what it is, the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and ways to prevent recurrence. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Gallstones and alcohol abuse are common causes. Symptoms include abdominal pain and nausea. Treatment involves fasting, IV fluids, pain medication, and treating the underlying cause.

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Santosh Bhumshetty
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345 views2 pages

What Is Pancreatitis?

The document provides information about pancreatitis including what it is, the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and ways to prevent recurrence. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Gallstones and alcohol abuse are common causes. Symptoms include abdominal pain and nausea. Treatment involves fasting, IV fluids, pain medication, and treating the underlying cause.

Uploaded by

Santosh Bhumshetty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES

Pancreatitis
What is pancreatitis?
The pancreas is an
Pancreatitis [pan-kree-uh-TAHY-tis] is a condition in
organ that sits behind
which the pancreas is irritated or inflamed (swollen).
the stomach. It makes
The pancreas is an organ in the upper abdomen important chemicals
(belly) that makes important chemicals for your body. for the body.
There are different types of pancreatitis:
•• Acute (short-term) pancreatitis comes on fast
and lasts for a few days. Most people get better
quickly without long-term problems, but serious
cases can cause life-threatening problems. Repeated
problems with acute pancreatitis can also damage
the pancreas and lead to chronic pancreatitis.
•• Chronic (long-term) pancreatitis does not heal,
but gets worse over time. It can lead to other issues
such as digestion problems and diabetes.

What causes it?


Pancreatitis is most often caused by:
•• Gallstones. Gallstones are hard lumps that form What are the symptoms?
inside the gallbladder, an organ near the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis may depend on which type
The pancreas and the gallbladder drain into the same you have. Acute pancreatitis can have these symptoms:
tube. If the gallbladder is blocked, then fluids from
•• Sudden, constant pain in the upper abdomen. You
the pancreas can also get backed up and cause pain.
may also feel it in your shoulder and back, and it
•• Alcohol abuse. People who drink too much may hurt more after eating.
alcohol for a long time can get alcohol-related •• Nausea or vomiting.
pancreatitis. Symptoms often occur 1 to 3 days after
binge drinking or after suddenly stopping drinking. •• Rapid heartbeat.
•• In severe cases, symptoms can include dehydration
Less often, pancreatitis can be caused by:
(loss of water from the body), low blood pressure,
•• Abdominal surgery or failure of the heart, lungs, or kidneys. Bleeding
•• Certain medicines in the pancreas can cause shock or death.
•• Injury or infection in the abdomen
Chronic pancreatitis can have the above symptoms
•• Cigarette smoking
plus these:
•• Problems with your blood
•• Indigestion
•• Genetic problems like cystic fibrosis
•• Unexplained weight loss
In about 1 in 5 patients with acute pancreatitis, no
•• Diarrhea
cause can be identified.
•• Greasy stool (poop)
1
How does my doctor know I have it? What other problems can
To find out if pancreatitis is the cause of your pancreatitis cause?
symptoms, your doctor will do a physical exam, ask Acute pancreatitis can cause these problems:
about your medical history, and do a blood test. •• Kidney failure
You may also have an imaging test like an x-ray,
•• Breathing problems
ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of your abdomen.
•• Infection
Once the doctor knows you have pancreatitis, other
tests can help find out what caused it. This will help •• Chronic pancreatitis
make sure you get the right treatment. Chronic pancreatitis can cause these problems:

How is it treated? •• Severe abdominal pain

Pancreatitis is usually treated in the hospital. If your •• Malnutrition, diarrhea, and weight loss
pancreatitis is severe, you may be treated in an intensive •• Diabetes
care unit. Your treatment in the hospital may include: •• Cancer of the pancreas
…… Fasting — you may need to stop eating while
your pancreas heals.
How can I keep from getting
pancreatitis again?
…… IV (intravenous) fluids to prevent dehydration.
Changes to your lifestyle can reduce your chances of
…… Medicines to control pain and nausea.
getting pancreatitis again. These are:
…… Antibiotic medicines to treat or prevent infection.
…… Stop drinking alcohol. If you need to, enter a
…… A feeding tube. If you have chronic pancreatitis, you treatment program to stop drinking.
may need to wear a feeding tube for several weeks.
…… Quit tobacco. If you use tobacco, join a
Your doctors will also treat the cause of your program to help you quit. It’s easier with a
pancreatitis to help prevent it from coming back. program than on your own.
Your treatment may include:
…… Eat a healthy, low-fat diet. Eating smaller
…… Procedures to prevent gallstones. If your meals often, instead of big meals, will put less
pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, a procedure stress on your pancreas.
called ERCP can be used to treat the cause.
…… Drink plenty of water, and limit drinks with
…… Surgery to remove your gallbladder.
caffeine like sodas, coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
…… Surgery to drain fluid from your pancreas or to Pancreatitis can cause dehydration.
remove damaged or infected tissue.
…… Live a healthy lifestyle. This means staying at a
…… Treatment for alcohol dependence. Your doctor healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting
may recommend you enter a treatment program. regular exercise.
Continuing to drink alcohol can lead to serious
health problems.
…… Changes to your diet. Before you leave the
hospital, you may meet with a dietitian to help
make a meal plan.

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should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. More health information is available 2
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