Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms & Care

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PANCREATITIS Causes, Symptoms Care

• By
• Dr. Valeria Simone MD
• (Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA)

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OVERVIEW

• Pancreatitis refers to the inflammatory condition
  affecting the pancreas. Its usually short-term
  but can also persist over a long duration.
  Abdominal pain is the symptom that is most
  commonly reported. The primary factors
  contributing to this condition are the
  consumption of alcohol and the presence of
  gallstones.

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What is Pancreatitis?

• Pancreatitis refers to the condition in which the
  pancreas experiences inflammation. This
  inflammation leads to swelling and pain. If you
  experience pancreatitis, you may notice abdominal
  pain that radiates to your back.
• Your pancreas is a small organ located in the
  abdomen region. The pancreas helps by making
  digestive juices that break down food in the
  small intestine. It also helps control blood
  sugar levels by producing insulin.
• When the pancreas experiences inflammation, the
  digestive enzymes might not be able to reach the
  small intestine. Rather, they may provoke
  irritation in the pancreas, leading to pain and
  potential damage.
• Inflammation signifies the immune systems
  response to damage or injury. It is designed to
  assist in the recovery of damaged tissues.
  Pancreatic injury usually happens due to
  gallstones obstructing the pancreatic duct or
  because of alcohol consumption.
• Pancreatitis can be classified into two
  categories acute and chronic. Every category
  possesses its own indicators and impacts.

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Acute vs. Chronic Pancreatitis Knowing the
Difference

• Pancreatitis is a medical condition that can be
  categorized into two primary forms acute
  pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.
• Acute Pancreatitis
• Acute pancreatitis occurs when there is a sudden
  inflammation of the pancreas. This usually
  persists for a short time and may lead to
  temporary problems within the digestive system.
  This occurs when the pancreas is attempting to
  heal from a minor or temporary injury or damage.
• Many people with this condition completely
  recover in a few days with the help of supportive
  care such as proper rest, hydration, and pain
  management. However, people with complex cases of
  acute pancreatitis can experience significant
  health problems, some of which may be
  life-threatening.
• Key points of Acute Pancreatitis
• Sudden Onset Rapid development.
• Short-Term Typically resolves within days or
  weeks.
• Inflammation Severe, localized.
• Causes Gallstones, alcohol, trauma, infections.
• Symptoms Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.

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Chronic Pancreatitis

• Chronic Pancreatitis
• Chronic pancreatitis is a persistent long-term
  condition characterized by ongoing inflammation
  of the pancreas. It doesnt heal on its own and
  can get worse and intensify as time progresses.
• Chronic pancreatitis can lead to long-term damage
  to your pancreas, but its important to note that
  this process may take many years to develop.
• Ongoing inflammation can lead to scarring in the
  tissues of your pancreas, a condition known as
  fibrosis. This scarring can interfere with the
  pancreass ability to produce essential enzymes
  and hormones.
• The key point of Chronic Pancreatitis
• Gradual Onset Progressive development.
• Long-Term Persistent, ongoing inflammation.
• Fibrosis Scarring, tissue damage.
• Causes Alcohol abuse, genetic predisposition,
  autoimmune disorders.
• Symptoms Recurring abdominal pain, weight loss,
  diarrhea.

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Is Pancreatitis Common?

• In the United States, pancreatitis is one of the
  major health concerns that people experience,
  affecting many individuals annually. Over 275,000
  hospitalizations occur each year due to acute
  pancreatitis, with around 86,000 Americans
  impacted by chronic pancreatitis.

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Symptoms and Causes of Pancreatitis
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Identifying pancreatitis symptoms

• Pancreatitis is characterized by pain in the
  upper abdominal region, often described as a
  persistent ache that can extend to the back.
• Acute pancreatitis can present a range of
  symptoms in addition to intense abdominal pain,
  nausea, and vomiting. Additional symptoms may
  include
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Jaundice
• Patients with acute pancreatitis might also
  experience
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Stools that appear oily or greasy, may indicate
  challenges with fat digestion
• Its essential to seek immediate medical
  attention if you experience these symptoms as
  acute pancreatitis can be life-threatening if
  left untreated.

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• Chronic pancreatitis is a medical condition
  identified by persistent inflammation of the
  pancreas that progressively deteriorates over
  time. Additional symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
  include
• Abdominal pain that persists can range from mild
  to severe and may also radiate to the back.
• Pain that increases after consuming food or
  beverages, particularly those rich in fat
• Unintentional weight loss
• Oily and foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
• Dizziness due to lower blood pressure.
• Bloating
• Indigestion
• In advanced stages of chronic pancreatitis,
  individuals may experience diabetes due to the
  damage to insulin-producing cells in the
  pancreas. This may result in symptoms like
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

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How does the discomfort of pancreatitis feel?

• Abdominal pain due to pancreatitis is usually
  steady and strong that may extend to your back.
  This pain tends to get worse after eating,
  especially after consuming fatty foods, or when
  lying flat on your back. Often, the pain starts
  in the upper abdomen, right below the ribs. It
  can spread to the back, left shoulder blade, or
  chest.
• Acute pancreatitis brings sudden and severe,
  penetrating pain. When you touch your abdomen,
  you can feel some tenderness.
• Chronic pancreatitis may cause pain that changes
  in strength. Some people feel constant pain,
  while others have pain that comes and goes,
  getting worse over time.
• Pancreatitis pain can make it hard to carry out
  daily activities and affect your quality of life.
  It often becomes more intense after meals, with
  alcohol consumption, or when lying down.
• Its important to find effective ways to manage
  pain to improve comfort and help people keep
  their daily routines.

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What symptoms indicate pancreas dysfunction?

• When the pancreas is not working well, it makes
  it hard for the digestive system to break down
  food and take in nutrients. This can lead to
  issues like
• Diarrhea
• Fatty stools
• Weight loss
• Not getting enough nutrients
• If food is not digested properly, a person may
  lose a lot of weight, even if they eat the same
  amount. You may also struggle to add some extra
  pounds to your weight, even with a good appetite.
  This indicates that the pancreas is not
  functioning properly.
• Also, if the pancreas cant help control blood
  sugar, it may lead to diabetes Symptoms such as
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Losing weight without trying
• Feeling extra hungry
• All these factors point to issues with blood
  sugar control and suggest that the pancreas may
  not be operating effectively.

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Exploring the Most Common Causes of Pancreatitis

• Pancreatitis is usually triggered by the presence
  of gallstones or heavy alcohol use. Together,
  these two factors contribute to around 80 of
  pancreatitis cases.

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Gallstone Pancreatitis

• The common bile duct facilitates the flow of bile
  from the gallbladder into the intestine, sharing
  the same entry point as the pancreatic duct. When
  a gallstone lodges in the common bile duct at the
  junction, it can create a temporary obstruction,
  preventing the flow of pancreatic juice from the
  pancreatic duct.
• This confines the enzymes within your pancreas.
  As tension accumulates behind the blockage, it
  triggers the enzymes within your pancreas,
  leading to the digestion of the pancreas itself.
  This triggers the inflammatory reaction
  associated with gallstone pancreatitis.
• Use of Alcohol
• Heavy alcohol consumption is a significant risk
  factor for pancreatitis, causing inflammation and
  damage to the pancreas, yet the exact mechanisms
  remain unclear to researchers.
• The harmful byproducts of alcohol in your
  bloodstream might trigger an inflammatory
  reaction in your pancreas, or they could
  potentially chemically stimulate the digestive
  enzymes present within your pancreas.
• Researchers suggest that significant consumption
  of alcohol is responsible for approximately fifty
  percent of instances of both acute and chronic
  pancreatitis.

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Other Causes of Pancreatitis

• Gallstones and drinking too much alcohol are the
  main causes of pancreatitis. However, there are
  other reasons that can cause inflammation,
  including
• Genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis, which
  affects the bodys mucus production, including in
  the pancreas
• Some medications can also cause drug-induced
  pancreatitis, even if they are helpful for other
  health issues
• Very high levels of triglycerides
  (hypertriglyceridemia) in the blood can trigger
  pancreatitis too
• Hypercalcemia (High blood calcium levels)
• Belly injuries
• Cancer
• Certain viral infections
• Structural problems in the pancreas
• Autoimmune disorders arise when the immune system
  erroneously identifies the pancreas as a target
• These factors together account for approximately
  20 of pancreatitis conditions. Sometimes, a
  reason remains difficult to identify.

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Are the causes of acute and chronic pancreatitis
identical?

• The reasons for acute and chronic pancreatitis
  are alike in some ways, but they are different in
  others. Gallstones and drinking too much alcohol
  are common causes of both types. However, chronic
  pancreatitis can occur from lasting inflammation.
  Knowing these details is important for proper
  diagnosis and treatment.
• Is Pancreatitis a Life-threatening Disease?
• People with pancreatitis can face
  life-threatening complications and, in some
  cases, it can lead to death. It has been observed
  among a few individuals that severe acute
  pancreatitis triggers a systemic response that
  impacts the entire body. This results in severe
  complications and systemic failure, potentially
  leading to death if not addressed promptly.
• If youre experiencing symptoms, its important
  to seek immediate medical attention, as it can be
  difficult to assess the severity of your
  pancreatitis on your own.

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What are the potential complications of
pancreatitis?

• In many instances, acute pancreatitis remains
  uncomplicated however, approximately 20 of
  cases are present with increased severity. The
  reasons behind the occurrence of severe acute
  pancreatitis in certain instances remain unclear.
• A critical situation may result in significant
  consequences, potentially leading to fatal
  outcomes. Chronic pancreatitis leads to
  complications that progress gradually and are not
  immediately life-threatening. Most issues can be
  addressed effectively with appropriate treatment.

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Acute Pancreatitis Complications

• Severe acute pancreatitis can lead to a range of
  complications that can be life-threatening if not
  managed promptly. Some of the potential
  complications include
• Pancreatic necrosis In severe cases, the
  pancreatic tissue can become necrotic (dead),
  which can lead to infection and the development
  of abscess.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) This
  condition may arise from the systemic
  inflammatory response linked to severe
  pancreatitis, leading to challenges in breathing.
• Multiple organ failure Severe acute pancreatitis
  can initiate a series of reactions that impact
  various organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and
  heart, resulting in dysfunction across multiple
  systems.
• Pancreatic pseudocyst This fluid-filled sac can
  develop within or around the due to inflammation
  and tissue damage.
• Diabetes mellitus It occurs when there is damage
  to the pancreatic cells responsible for insulin
  production, which can happen after a severe case
  of acute pancreatitis.
• Malnutrition A deficiency in digestive enzymes
  due to pancreatic damage can result in the
  improper absorption of nutrients, leading to
  malnutrition.
• Ascites Fluid accumulation in the abdominal
  cavity may occur due to inflammation and
  disruption of normal fluid balance.

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Chronic Pancreatitis Complications

• Chronic pancreatitis, characterized by ongoing
  inflammation of the pancreas, can lead to
  multiple complications that significantly impact
  an individuals health and overall quality of
  life. Some common complications associated with
  chronic pancreatitis include
• Pancreatic Insufficiency Inflammation in the
  pancreas can reduce enzyme production, causing
  malabsorption of nutrients. This results in a
  reduction in body weight, inadequate nutrition,
  and a lack of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Diabetes Chronic pancreatitis can damage the
  cells responsible for insulin production,
  increasing the possibility of developing
  diabetes. Maintaining blood glucose levels can be
  difficult for individuals facing both conditions.
• Pancreatic Pseudocysts Pseudocysts are
  fluid-filled cavities that may develop adjacent
  to the pancreas because of inflammation and
  tissue injury. If left unaddressed, they could
  result in discomfort in the abdomen, feelings of
  nausea, episodes of vomiting, and potential
  infections.
• Pancreatic Cancer Extended inflammation and
  changes in pancreatic cells due to chronic
  pancreatitis elevate your risk of developing
  pancreatic cancer. Regular monitoring is
  essential for early detection and treatment.
• Pancreatic Ductal Strictures Scar tissue in the
  pancreatic ducts can cause narrowing and
  blockages, leading to pain, digestive problems,
  and potential complications.
• Maldigestion The insufficient generation of
  digestive enzymes due to pancreatic insufficiency
  can result in maldigestion, which may manifest as
  symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, fatty stools,
  and nutritional deficiencies.
• Pain Syndromes Chronic abdominal pain often
  occurs in individuals with chronic pancreatitis,
  leading to significant discomfort that can
  severely affect everyday activities and overall
  quality of life.
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) In
  advanced chronic pancreatitis stages, the
  insufficient production of pancreatic enzymes can
  result in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
  (EPI), causing malabsorption, weight loss, and
  deficiencies in essential nutrients.
• Calcifications Calcification within pancreatic
  tissue can occur due to extended inflammation,
  which may cause further dysfunction and
  complications.

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Diagnosing Pancreatitis Essential Tests and
Procedures

• How to Diagnose Pancreatitis?
• To diagnose pancreatitis, your healthcare
  provider may recommend a combination of blood
  tests and imaging tests.
• Initial Diagnostic Steps
• Pancreas blood test Evaluates levels of enzymes
  produced by the pancreas (such as amylase and
  lipase).
• Values exceeding levels 3 times normally
  indicate pancreatitis.
• Cross-sectional imaging CT scan or MRI to
  visualize pancreatic swelling, fluid deposits,
  and abnormalities.
• Additional Tests for Chronic Pancreatitis
• Glucose test To determine if your pancreas
  continues to produce insulin efficiently.
• Stool elastase test To evaluate if your pancreas
  is producing sufficient digestive enzymes.
• Fecal fat analysis It detects excess fat in your
  stool, indicating malabsorption.
• Blood tests To measure the nutritional status,
  and fat-soluble vitamin levels in our body.

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Treatment and Management for Pancreatitis

• What types of treatments are available for
  pancreatitis?
• The approach for treatment is contingent upon the
  underlying factor, its duration, and the level of
  severity involved. It is advisable to consult a
  healthcare professional if you experience
  symptoms indicative of pancreatitis.
• While certain instances of acute pancreatitis
  might resolve spontaneously, this is based on the
  underlying cause and the severity of the
  condition. During this period, individuals
  experiencing acute pancreatitis typically require
  pain relief to manage their discomfort.
• Certain individuals may require immediate support
  for specific reasons. Additionally, certain
  individuals may require specialized attention due
  to complications.

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Acute Pancreatitis Treatment

• The treatment for acute pancreatitis usually
  involves hospitalization. This includes close
  observation, and medical assistance, which is
  necessary for every individual. Your doctor will
  primarily focus on minimizing stress on the
  pancreas, controlling pain, and ensuring adequate
  hydration.
• Certain individuals might require admission to an
  intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring,
  particularly in cases of serious health issues.
• Maintaining proper hydration is essential. This
  can often be done through an IV that helps with
  blood flow and the functionality of organs.
• Pain relief is an essential component of the
  treatment strategy. Strong pain relievers are
  administered via intravenous infusion to ensure
  rapid relief from discomfort.
• Other actions may include
• Placing a nasogastric tube to assist in the
  evacuation of fluid or air from the gastric
  cavity.
• Administering nutrition through IV feeding when
  oral intake is not possible.
• Giving antibiotics in the presence of an
  infection.
• Removal of gallstones obstructing the path for
  individuals experiencing gallstone pancreatitis.

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Gallstones Removal

• If you are experiencing gallstone pancreatitis,
  your healthcare provider might require
  the removal of gallstones from your bile ducts.
  They may suggest gallbladder removal surgery
  (cholecystectomy) to prevent potential
  complications from gallstones in the future.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,
  or ERCP includes
• ERCP uses a long, flexible tube with a camera and
  small tools.
• The physician carefully places this tube through
  the mouth, guiding it down the esophagus, into
  the stomach, and then into the small intestine.
• This helps them see the bile duct and take out
  gallstones that are blocking it.
• This procedure helps to reduce pressure on the
  pancreas.

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Gallbladder Removal Surgery

• To avoid any future complications, your doctor
  will perform gallbladder removal surgery, since
  the possibility of the formation of gallstones is
  quite high.
• Gallbladder removal is a common procedure for the
  treatment of gallstones. Your doctor will guide
  you and suggest the surgical procedures. The
  options available are laparoscopic gallbladder
  removal surgery or open surgery.
• A laparoscopic cholecystectomy also known as
  minimally invasive surgery involves the
  extraction of the gallbladder through a few small
  incisions, utilizing a laparoscope, with a
  miniature camera introduced through one of the
  openings.
• Certain individuals might need to undergo
  traditional surgical procedures based on their
  specific medical conditions.

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Additional Support for Pancreatitis

• Pancreatitis is a significant medical issue. A
  notable complication is the presence of
  pseudocysts, which are fluid-filled sacs located
  within the pancreas. Pseudocysts can lead to
  pain, feelings of nausea, and episodes of
  vomiting, and may result in infections that
  occasionally require drainage or surgery.
• Another concern is pancreatic necrosis, which
  involves the death of tissue due to inflammation.
  This may result in infections, abscesses, and
  potential organ failure. The approach includes
  the use of antibiotics, surgical procedures, and
  methods to eliminate necrotic tissue.
• Chronic pancreatitis can lead to diabetes. Damage
  to insulin-producing cells requires managing
  blood sugar with medication, diet, and lifestyle
  changes.
• In more serious situations, there is a
  possibility of developing systemic complications
  such as sepsis. Getting prompt medical attention
  and treatment is essential for achieving better
  outcomes.
• Consistent follow-up care and adherence to
  treatment plans play a crucial role in managing
  and lowering the risks associated with this
  condition.

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Chronic Pancreatitis Treatment

• Chronic pancreatitis is a long-lasting condition.
  It requires a careful plan to manage symptoms,
  slow down the disease, and handle problems that
  may arise. This plan usually includes changes in
  lifestyle, medications, and sometimes surgery.
• Enzyme replacement therapy This approach is
  crucial for addressing digestive challenges
  resulting from insufficient enzyme production by
  the pancreas. These enzyme supplements are
  consumed along with meals to facilitate the
  breakdown of food, enhance nutrient absorption,
  reduce digestive pain, and prevent malnutrition.
• Blood sugar management It is crucial for
  preventing diabetes, as chronic pancreatitis can
  lead to this condition. Insulin therapy might be
  needed if diet and lifestyle changes are not
  enough to keep sugar levels stable.
• Pain management It involves using pain
  relievers, nerve blocks, and alternative methods
  like acupuncture to help with chronic pain.

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Lifestyle Changes

• By making some yet powerful lifestyle changes can
  help you manage both acute and chronic
  pancreatitis. These tweaks will help you to
  reduce stress on your pancreas, lower
  inflammation, and boost your overall well-being.

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• 1. Maintain Optimal Health with a Balanced Diet
• A low-fat diet rich in whole foods is key. Focus
  on
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Lean proteins
• Whole grains
• You should avoid fatty, greasy foods that can
  overload your pancreas and exacerbate
  inflammation.
• 2. Break Free from Alcohol
• If alcohol contributes to your condition, its
  essential to abstain. Alcohol can further
  irritate your pancreas, slowing healing.
• 3. Breathe Easy Quit Smoking
• Smoking can worsen pancreatic damage and increase
  cancer risk. For your general health, quitting is
  essential.
• By incorporating these lifestyle changes, youll
• Reduce pancreatitis symptoms
• Lower inflammation
• Improve digestion
• Enhance overall health
• The influence of these factors significantly
  accelerates the development of pancreatitis. Your
  healthcare provider can link you to resources
  that assist in discontinuation. Lets team up to
  create a customized strategy that aligns with
  your specific requirements.

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Pain Management

• Managing chronic pain can be a challenging
  journey. Every individuals experience with pain
  is different, and it might require some
  experimentation to find the most effective
  solutions for your needs.
• Lets explore more Pancreatitis 101 Causes,
  Symptoms Care - Southlake General Surgery

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Make an Appointment

• Are you concerned about pancreatitis? Dont
  hesitate!
• You can consult Dr. Valeria Simone, MD, a
  renowned board-certified general surgeon and
  expert in pancreatic care at Southlake General
  Surgery in Texas, USA. With compassion and
  expertise, Dr. Simone will
• Address your symptoms and concerns
• Create a personalized treatment plan
• Support you throughout the entire process
• Ready to manage your pancreatitis? Schedule an
  appointment today! Contact our healthcare expert
  at 1 [phone]. You can also make an online
  appointment with us.
• Connect with our healthcare team to start your
  journey towards better pancreatic health.
• Your care is our priority! Dr. Simone and her
  team look forward to helping you. Book your
  appointment now!

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• Medically Reviewed By Dr. Valeria Simone MD
• Board-certified General Surgeon at Southlake
  General Surgery, Texas, USA.
• Follow us on Facebook and YouTube.
• Source Pancreatitis 101 Causes, Symptoms Care
  - Southlake General Surgery

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