Pancreatitis

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 rate

Common Causes

Gallstones, Heavy alcohol use, Medications, Autoimmune disease, Infections,Trauma, Metabolic disorders, Surgery

Risk Factors

Gallstones, Heavy alcohol use, Medications , Autoimmune disease , Infections , Trauma , Metabolic disorders , Surgery

Investigation 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