Overview
Pancreatitis is a condition which can be defined as inflammation of the pancreas. There are many causes that can lead to this condition and the damages worsen when the digestive enzymes are activated before they are released into small intestine.Signs and Symptoms
Upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back which may be aggravated by eating especially foods high in fat, Swollen and tender abdomen, Nausea and vomiting, Fever, Increased heart rateCommon Causes
Gallstones, Heavy alcohol use, Medications, Autoimmune disease, Infections,Trauma, Metabolic disorders, SurgeryRisk Factors
Gallstones, Heavy alcohol use, Medications , Autoimmune disease , Infections , Trauma , Metabolic disorders , SurgeryInvestigation Techniques
Serum lipase or amylase, Aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, Full blood count & C- Reactive Protein, Abdominal CT scan, Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)Treatment and Prevention
Pain medications, Intravenous (IV) fluids, Procedures to remove bile duct obstructions- (ERCP), Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy), Pancreas surgery
