Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis At A Glance
Understanding Chronic Pancreatitis
If injury to the pancreas continues, chronic pancreatitis may develop. Chronic pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes attack and destroy the pancreas and nearby tissues, causing scarring and pain. The usual cause of chronic pancreatitis is many years of alcohol abuse, but the chronic form may also be triggered by only one acute attack, especially if the pancreatic ducts are damaged. The damaged ducts cause the pancreas to become inflamed, tissue to be destroyed, and scar tissue to develop.
More on Pancreatitis
- Pancreatitis has two forms: acute and chronic
- Common causes of pancreatitis are gallstones or alcohol abuse.
- Sometimes no cause for pancreatitis can be found.
- Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a rapid pulse.
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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