Pancreatitis

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow

• What is pancreatitis?
• What are the causes of acute pancreatitis?
• What are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis?
• How is acute pancreatitis diagnosed?
• How is acute pancreatitis treated?
• What about gallstones and pancreatitis?
• What is chronic pancreatitis?
• What are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?
• How is chronic pancreatitis diagnosed?
• How is chronic pancreatitis treated?
• Pancreatitis in children
• Pancreatitis At A Glance
• Related pancreatitis articles:
  Pancreatitis - on WebMD
• Patient Discussions: Pancreatitis - Describe Your Experience

Pancreatic Cysts Q&A Medical Author Dr. Dennis Lee Medical Author Dr. Jay W. Marks Viewer Question: Are cysts in the pancreas dangerous? Dr. Lee's Answer: Cysts in the pancreas often are found incidentally when abdominal ultrasounds and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen are performed. Most cysts are asymptomatic, that is, they do not cause symptoms; however, symptoms (primarily pain) may occur particularly with larger and expanding cysts when they compress the tissues surrounding them. There are three common types of pancreatic cysts... Read more pancreatic cysts » Top Searched Edema Terms: chronic, acute, symptoms, diet, type 1 diabetes, treatment acute, treatment chronic, growth hormone, hereditary, gallstones, gallbladder , fluid retention, cholecystitis, pain

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.

Pancreatic Cysts Q&A Medical Author Dr. Dennis Lee Medical Author Dr. Jay W. Marks Viewer Question: Are cysts in the pancreas dangerous? Dr. Lee's Answer: Cysts in the pancreas often are found incidentally when abdominal ultrasounds and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen are performed. Most cysts are asymptomatic, that is, they do not cause symptoms; however, symptoms (primarily pain) may occur particularly with larger and expanding cysts when they compress the tissues surrounding them. There are three common types of pancreatic cysts... Read more pancreatic cysts » Top Searched Edema Terms: chronic, acute, symptoms, diet, type 1 diabetes, treatment acute, treatment chronic, growth hormone, hereditary, gallstones, gallbladder , fluid retention, cholecystitis, pain

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.

Pancreatitis - Describe Your Experience

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

The symptoms of pancreatitis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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