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Pancreatic Problems
Overview:
Pancreatitis is a term used to describe inflammation in the pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that sits tucked behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digestion and hormones that help regulate the way your body processes sugar (glucose).
Signs and Symptoms:
Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis may vary depending on which type you experience.
Acute pancreatitis signs and symptoms include:
* Upper abdominal pain
* Abdominal pain that radiates to your back
* Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating
* Abdominal pain that's somewhat relieved by leaning forward or curling into a ball
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Tenderness when touching the abdomen
Chronic pancreatitis signs and symptoms include:
* Upper abdominal pain
* Indigestion
* Losing weight without trying
* Oily, smelly stools (steatorrhea)
Causes and Organs Affected:
What happens in pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes produced in your pancreas become activated too soon.
During normal digestion, the inactivated pancreatic enzymes move through ducts in your pancreas and travel to the small intestine where the enzymes become activated and help with digestion. In pancreatitis, the enzymes become activated while still in the pancreas. This causes the enzymes to irritate the cells of your pancreas, causing inflammation and the signs and symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
Treatment:
Pancreatitis usually requires hospitalization. Once your condition is stabilized in the hospital and inflammation in the pancreas is controlled, doctors can treat the underlying cause of your pancreatitis.
* Rest for your pancreas. You'll stop eating for a couple of days in the hospital in order to give your pancreas a chance to recover. Once the inflammation in your pancreas is controlled, you may begin drinking clear liquids and eating bland foods. With time, you can go back to your normal diet.
* Pain medications. Pancreatitis can cause severe pain. Your health care team will give you medications to help control the pain.
* Intravenous (IV) fluids. As your body devotes energy and fluids to repairing your pancreas, you may become dehydrated. For this reason, you'll receive extra fluids through a vein in your arm during your hospital stay.
Other Information:
Once you leave the hospital, you can take steps to continue your recovery from pancreatitis, such as: Stop drinking alcohol, Stop smoking, Choose a low-fat diet and Drink more water.