Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis at a Glance
Understanding Pancreatitis
If the pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, an operation to have the gallbladder and gallstones removed (cholecystectomy) is likely.
If certain complications (for example, enlargement or severe injury of the pancreas, bleeding, pseudocysts, or abscess) develop, surgery may be needed to drain, repair, or remove the affected tissues.
From Other People with Pancreatitis
"I began to feel nauseous and thought I was suffering from indigestion. I took a couple of Tums for the indigestion and immediately vomited. I then began to have incredibly severe pain in my left side, abdomen and left shoulder."
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What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an
inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach
and close to the duodenum. The duodenum is the upper part of the small
intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine
through a tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest fats,
proteins, and carbohydrates in food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use the
glucose it takes from food for energy.
Normally, digestive enzymes do not become active until they reach the small
intestine, where they begin digesting food. But if these enzymes become active
inside the pancreas, they start "digesting" the pancreas itself.
Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period of time and
usually resolves. Chronic pancreatitis does not resolve itself and results in a
slow destruction of the pancreas. Either form can cause serious complications.
In severe cases, bleeding, tissue damage, and infection may occur. Pseudocysts,
accumulations of fluid and tissue debris, may also develop. And enzymes and
toxins may enter the bloodstream, injuring the heart, lungs, and kidneys, or
other organs.
What are the causes of acute pancreatitis?
Some people have more than one attack and recover
completely after each, but acute pancreatitis can be a severe, life-threatening
illness with many complications. About 80,000 cases occur in the United States
each year; some 20 percent of them are severe. Acute pancreatitis occurs more
often in men than women.
Acute pancreatitis is usually caused by
gallstones or by drinking too much
alcohol, but these aren't the only causes. If alcohol use and gallstones are
ruled out, other possible causes of pancreatitis should be carefully examined so
that appropriate treatment-if available-can begin.
Next: What are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis? »
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