Pancreatitis is a condition caused by swelling of the pancreas: an organ behind the stomach which plays an important role in digestion and handling sugars. Pancreatitis is almost always divided into two types of disease “Acute” and “Chronic.” Chronic pancreatitis can occur over many years and causes additional symptoms for people suffering with it. While some cases are mild and usually go away by themselves; others can be more serious (even life-threatening) medical emergencies that require a doctor’s care.
Signs & Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis
- Pain in the upper area of the stomach, which often can also be felt ‘radiating’ to your back
- Pain is worsened after you eat
- Feeling of tenderness when touching the stomach
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Weight loss (even if you eat a balanced diet and are not trying to loose weight)
- Bowel movements that appear ‘oily’ and are foul-smelling
When You Should See Your Doctor About Pancreatitis
- You should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing steady/persistent pain in the upper area of your stomach
- If you are experiencing pain which is severe enough that you cannot find a comfortable position, it may be a sign of a serious health emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Causes of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis has many different possible causes, some of which include:
- Gallstones
- Drinking alcohol in excess
- Reaction to medication
- High triglycerides
- Surgery preformed on your stomach/abdomen
- Cigarette smoking
- Cystic fibrosis
- Infection
- Genetic causes (including genetic diseases of the Immune System)
- High calcium levels
- Pancreatic cancer
- Abdominal/stomach injuries
Diagnosis of Pancreatitis
If your doctor suspects that you may be suffering from pancreatitis, he/she will ask you about your symptoms, preform a physical exam, and review your medical history. Your doctor may also likely order one or more of the following tests:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Medical imaging (such as an Ultrasound, MRI, and/or CT Scan)
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (an Ultrasound using a small probe)
Treatment of Pancreatitis
Treating pancreatitis usually requires some hospitalization until the swelling in your pancreas is controlled. Hospital treatment may involve:
- Temporary fasting (you can usually return to a normal diet once the disease is stabilized in the hospital)
- IV fluids to allow you to stay hydrated while you recover
- Prescription pain medication
Once the danger of the swelling has been handled, your doctor will usually order procedures to treat the cause of your pancreatitis. Some of these possible treatments include:
- Surgery to remove the gallbladder
- Surgery to fix damage to your pancreas
- Non-surgical clearing of the bile ducts (the tubes which carry important digestive fluids to your intestines)
- Dietary supplements or changes to your diet
- Long-term pain management
Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis lasts for a long period of time, and may include:
- Continuous pain in the upper area of the stomach
- Weight loss (even if you eat a balanced diet and are not trying to loose weight)
- Bowel movements that appear ‘oily’ and are foul-smelling
You can trust the highly experienced, board-certified gastroenterologists at Atlantic Digestive Specialists to provide you with personal care and the latest diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Experts in treating pancreatitis, contact us now.
