Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis (pan-kree-a-TY-tis) is a painful inflammation ^* of the pancreas.

What Is Pancreatitis?

The pancreas (PAN-kree-us) is a gland about 6 inches long that is shaped like a flattened pear and lies next to the stomach with its wider end near the

duodenum (doo-o-DEE-num), the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon (GLOO-ka-gon), which are chemical messengers called hormones ^* that control the use of sugar in the body. The pancreas also secretes enzymes ^* , which are proteins that the body needs to digest other proteins, sugars, and fats. These digestive juices are carried to the small intestine by the biliary (BIL-ee-air-ee) system, which consists of a small pear-shaped organ called the gallbladder (GAWL-blader) and a network of ducts.

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, its powerful digestive enzymes leak out and begin to attack the pancreas itself. These enzymes cause damage that results in swelling of tissues and blood vessels. There are two forms of pancreatitis. Acute ^* pancreatitis occurs when the pan-creas suddenly becomes inflamed but then gets better. Chronic ^* pancre-atitis is persistent inflammation of the pancreas or a combination of persistent inflammation with repeated attacks of acute pancreatitis. Over time, the damage caused by chronic pancreatitis can lead to malab-sorption (when the body cannot absorb the nutrients and calories it needs) and an abnormal secretion of insulin, that is, diabetes ^* .

What Causes Pancreatitis?

There are many causes of pancreatitis, but most cases of acute pancreati-tis are caused by alcohol abuse or gallstones ^* . A patient usually feels severe pain in the upper abdomen ^* that may last for hours or for a few days. The abdomen may be swollen and tender. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and an increased pulse rate.

How Is Pancreatitis Diagnosed?

In addition to pain, patients with chronic pancreatitis usually show signs of long-term damage such as malabsorption or diabetes. Because acute pancreatitis causes an increase in certain levels of digestive enzymes in the blood, a blood test may confirm a diagnosis of the condition. Sometimes, x-rays such as CT scans ^* are used to make the diagnosis.

How Is Pancreatitis Treated?

Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the type, cause, and severity of the condition. Although acute pancreatitis usually gets better on its own, patients often are hospitalized while the attack lasts. If the patient has gallstones, surgery may be needed to remove them.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis will be placed on a strict diet that limits fat and protein, which the damaged pancreas can no longer digest properly. Patients sometimes are given replacement enzymes to help digest their food, and a doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain. Because both acute and chronic pancreatitis often are caused by alcohol, the best way to prevent the disease is to avoid drinking.

With treatment, the outlook for chronic pancreatitis often is good, but patients must stop drinking. Other less common causes of pancreatitis, such as infections, cancer ^* , and reactions to medicines or chemicals, need to be diagnosed properly in order to be treated the best way possible.