Pancreatitis

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• QWhat are possible complications of pancreatitis?

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  A Diana Meeks , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  Complications resulting from pancreatitis can be numerous. Diabetes may develop from pancreatitis because the digestive enzymes that build up in the pancreas can harm the insulin-producing cells that help your body process sugar. Pancreatitis can also increase your likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer if there is unrelieved inflammation of the tissue and cells in the pancreas.

  Internal bleeding and organ failure can be complications of pancreatitis due to cyst-like sacs that form from excess waste and fluid.

• QShould I talk to my doctor about my pancreatitis symptoms?

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  A Diana Meeks , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  Talk to your doctor about pancreatitis symptoms like severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, dehydration, rapid pulse or fever. These symptoms may indicate organ failure, low blood pressure, infection and chemical imbalance in the body. It is important to talk to your doctor immediately if you suspect you may have pancreatitis so you can begin immediate treatment to avoid permanent scarring of tissue and ducts, organ damage and death.

• QIs there a cure for pancreatitis?

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  A Diana Meeks , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  Pancreatitis may be cured if it is acute. With acute pancreatitis, your pancreas may suffer minor tissue damage and inflammation from the digestive enzymes. However, once the cause of the acute pancreatitis, like gallstones, is removed, the pancreas often repairs itself and function returns to normal. Unfortunately, once you have had pancreatitis you are more susceptible to having another attack of acute pancreatitis or having it turn into chronic pancreatitis.

  Chronic pancreatitis is a lifelong condition. Diet and lifestyle changes, such as eating low-fat foods and cutting out alcohol and cigarettes, may keep pancreatitis symptoms to a minimum. Due to permanent scarring, reduced enzyme secretion and cell and tissue damage from chronic pancreatitis, the functioning of your pancreas is unable to return to normal.

• QWhat is the rate of incidence for pancreatitis?

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  A Dr. Jeanne Morrison, PhD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  The rate of incidence for pancreatitis each year in the United States is over 300,000 people. Roughly 275,000 people are hospitalized each year for treatment of acute pancreatitis, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. There are over 86,000 hospitalizations in the United States for chronic pancreatitits. The United States has one of the highest incidence rates of pancreatitis. While there may be cases where pancreatitis is caused by a genetic or autoimmune disorder, most cases may be linked to alcohol abuse, diabetes, gallstones, high cholesterol or poor diet.

• QWhen should I call my doctor if I have pancreatitis?

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  A RealAge answered

  If you have pancreatitis, you should call your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms of the condition. Pancreatitis is swelling of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach that produces enzymes to aid in digestion and secretes the hormone insulin to help maintain normal blood sugar levels.
  
  Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.

  • severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers
  • nausea or vomiting
  • breathing problems
  • very fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • chills
  • feeling faint or weak
  • fatigue
  • unexplained weight loss
  • yellow color to your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
  • greasy, foul-smelling stool
  • confusion, agitation, lack of consciousness

  You should also call your doctor if you have questions about your treatment or you are considering trying a new over-the-counter medicine or herbal remedy. Your doctor may also be able to help you if you are experiencing trouble quitting smoking, losing weight, eating a healthy diet or achieving any of the lifestyle changes recommended for helping to manage pancreatitis.
• QWhat are the risk factors of pancreatitis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  You are at increased risk for pancreatitis if you have a family history of pancreatitis, as it can be hereditary. If close relatives have had pancreatitis due to genetic illnesses or abnormalities of the pancreas you may be more likely to have pancreatitis.

  Drinking large quantities of alcohol on a daily basis over a period of time may also increase your risk of pancreatitis. Alcohol slowly clogs small ducts leading out of the pancreas, causing a build-up of digestive enzymes that attack the pancreatic tissue. Although it is not clear why, if you are male you have a higher risk of having both acute and chronic pancreatitis.

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• QHow is pancreatitis diagnosed?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Pancreatitis may be initially diagnosed with a blood test. These tests can confirm pancreatitis by revealing elevated levels of digestive enzymes, like amylase and lipase, as well as potassium, glucose, and calcium. Testing the stool may reveal high amounts of fat and nutrients due to your body's inability to absorb nutrients from your food.

  Diagnostic imaging, like ultrasound, MRI and CT scans, may reveal an enlarged pancreas, gallstones, or damage to pancreatic tissue. Physical exam may uncover tenderness near the pancreas and weight loss. Your doctor may also ask for your family health history to look for genetic illnesses that lead to pancreatitis or a predisposition for pancreatitis.

• QWhat is pancreatitis?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  The pancreas is an organ in your abdomen that makes hormones and enzymes that help break down your food. The term "pancreatitis" refers to a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed or swollen, typically causing severe belly pain. Pancreatitis has many causes, but the most common ones include gallstones and heavy alcohol ingestion. Other factors that can lead to pancreatitis include infections, medications, inherited conditions and trauma. Most of the time, acute attacks of pancreatitis resolve after a short period of conservative treatment (i.e. pain management and bowel rest) without long-term side effects. Occasionally, pancreatitis can be much more severe and require intensive medical care.

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• QWhat are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

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  A National Athletic Trainers' Association answered

  The signs and symptoms of pancreatitis depend on whether the inflammation of the pancreas is acute (new) or chronic (ongoing, old). Acute pancreatitis may present with sudden pain in the abdomen above the belly button, vomiting, belching, constipation, and possibly shock. If the condition is chronic, the person may present with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes), diarrhea, and mild to moderate pain that radiates or moves to the back. (This answer provided for NATA by the University of Montana Athletic Training Education Program.)

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• QCan pancreatitis be prevented?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Depending on the cause of your pancreatitis, you may be able to prevent the onset of the condition. Pancreatitis brought on by alcohol abuse, diet, medication, or injury may be preventable. Reducing the amount of alcohol you consume, as well as the amount of fatty foods you ingest, will improve your chances of avoiding pancreatitis. Talking to your doctor about the medications you are taking and their affect on your pancreas may reduce your likelihood of having pancreatitis. Exercising caution and trying to prevent injury to the abdomen will also decrease the possibility of having pancreatitis.