What is Pancreatitis?
The pancreas is located behind your abdomen and functions as part of the digestive system and also controls your blood sugar. When you’re diagnosed with pancreatitis, it means that your pancreas has become inflamed. This can be an acute or chronic condition.
Causes of Pancreatitis
The top two factors that lead to pancreatitis are gallstones and alcoholism. These two conditions can cause digestive enzymes to become activated in the pancreas which eventually leads to inflammation. Additional conditions that could lead to pancreatitis include:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Cystic fibrosis
- High triglyceride or calcium levels
- Infection
- Previous trauma to the pancreas or abdomen
- Certain medications
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
The symptoms experienced will vary between all patients due to age, health and level of pancreatitis severity. For those suffering from acute pancreatitis, your symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- High heart rate
- Pain in the upper abdomen or pain that radiates to your back
- Abdomen is tender to the touch
- Shallow breathing
- Fever
The symptoms for chronic pancreatis are slightly different and include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lightheadedness
- Upper abdominal pain and abdominal pain that radiates more after eating (indigestion)
- Large and oily stool
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and your provider predicts that you could be suffering from pancreatitis, they may conduct a blood test, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI or stool test to help get a conclusive diagnosis.
Treatment for Pancreatitis
There are various treatment options available for pancreatitis, but it will come down the severity of your condition and what your provider thinks is the best course of action to get you healthy again.
For those with acute pancreatitis, treatment typically focuses on healing your body by hydrating (IV fluids as needed) and eating very bland foods until the pancreas inflammation begins to decrease. Once this part is under control, your medical team will work on solving the underlying issue (if one is present).
Chronic pancreatitis will follow the same treatment plans as stated with acute pancreatitis but could also include pain management, working with a dietician to adjust your diet, enzyme supplements or surgery if there is unmanageable pain or additional complications.
Work with your provider to determine your diagnosis and treatment options. Call The Iowa Clinic today if you would like to establish care with one of our dedicated providers!