Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which is a large organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas’ main functions are to secrete digestive enzymes into the small intestine to assist in carbohydrate, proteins, and fat digestion and to discharge glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream, the hormones that regulate blood glucose metabolism, managing how the body stores and uses food for energy. Inflammation occurs when the digestive enzymes produces in the pancreas becomes activated while inside the pancreas, therefore cause damage to the pancreas. Normally, during digestion, the inactivated pancreatic enzymes move through the ducts in the pancreas and travel to the small intestine for activation to serve its function. Pancreatitis can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for several days or weeks. On the other hand, chronic pancreatitis may develop through time and occurs for many years.
Causes of Pancreatitis
The most common cause for acute pancreatitis is the blockage of the duct of the pancreas by the gallstones, while excessive alcohol consumption is the most common cause for its chronic counterpart. There are several causes for both acute and chronic pancreatitis, which include:
- Infections, such as mumps, rubella, hepatitis virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus
- Genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis
- Particular drugs, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, sulfonamides, azathioprine, and antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline)
- High amounts of triglycerides (fats) in the blood
- Structural abnormalities in the pancreas, pancreatic or bile ducts
- Pancreatic cancer
- Surgeries that may temporarily cut off supply of blood to the pancreas, therefore causing damage to the tissue
- Abdominal injury
Risk Factors of Pancreatitis
Although anyone is at risk of pancreatitis, there are certain factors that may increase an individual’s chances of acquiring pancreatitis:
- Binge alcohol use
- Chronic alcoholism
- Biliary tract disease
- Recent surgery
- Cigarette smoking
- Age (commonly occurs in individuals between the ages 35 – 64)
- Race (African Americans are at higher risk)
- Family history of high levels of triglycerides
- Family history of pancreatitis
Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis
The following are the common signs and symptoms of pancreatitis:
Acute pancreatitis:
- Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back and worsens after eating
- Swelling and tenderness when touching the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
Chronic pancreatitis:
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Losing weight for no reason
- Oily, smelly stools
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, a potentially serious condition. Upon experiencing signs of pancreatitis, it is strongly recommended to seek medical help. Although it may not always be a serious case, it is better to take the necessary precaution. To learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of potentially serious conditions, such as pancreatitis, enroll in First Aid Training, to learn how to properly act in medical emergencies.
Online Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatitis/basics/definition/con-20028421