Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)
About Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)
Inflammation of the pancreas. Normally digestive enzymes from the pancreas are only allowed to flow into areas of the digestive tract that are protected by mucus. Inflammation of the pancreas can expose unprotected pancreas tissues to digestive enzymes, so pancreatitis can cause serious damage and scarring of the pancreas, and inflammation can spread. Pancreatitis has many causes with alcohol and gallstones being the most common.Symptoms
Abdominal pain, back pain, vomiting, anxiety, chills, clammy skin, fatty stools, fever, jaundice (yellow skin), nausea, sweating, weakness, weight loss.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests look for changes in blood levels of pancreas enzymes (amylase or lipase). An abdominal CT scan and/or ultrasound may be helpful.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, EKG, Lipase, Ultrasound, X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Usually pancreatitis requires a hospital stay. Eating is stopped for several days so the pancreas does not make as much digestive enzyme. A nasogastric tube (tube from the nose to the stomach) can help nausea by allowing removal of stomach juices. Intravenous fluids are almost always needed. Pain medications and nausea medications are helpful. If the problem was caused by a gallstone, surgery to remove the gallbladder can prevent recurrence. For more information contact the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov or call (800)891-5389Medical specialties
Gastroenterology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation).