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Acute Pancreatitis

Acute Pancreatitis is a sudden and sometimes severe inflammation of the Pancreas.

In this condition, there are varying levels of pain and severity that can be seen. However, in most cases, there is an extremely quick onset of abdominal pain – [Acute].

Enzymes from the pancreas that normally help in digestion become dangerous and begin attacking the pancreas itself. Often, for more severe cases require a hospital stay

Acute Pancreatitis is an initial diagnosis of a sudden onset of symptoms. However, when several episodes have occurred and the condition turns into more of a long term condition – it is called Chronic Pancreatitis.

Acute Pancreatitis is often seen more in Men than Women. In serious cases, necrosis or tissue breakdown of the pancreas can occur when the destruction of pancreatic tissue occurs.

Symptoms:

–  Nausea
–  Vomiting
–  Fever
–  Chills
–  Pain in the stomach that radiates to back
–  Shock
–  Fatigue
–  Sweating
–  Change in bowel movements – can be foul-smelling

Potential Causes

–  Many are unknown
–  Alcohol
–  Trauma
–  Gallstones also referred to as Cholelithiasis
–  Auto-immune
–  Virus infection
–  Medications including steroids
–  Pregnancy
–  Cancer
–  others

Diagnosis

–  Blood Work is Essential: Lipase and Amylase can be elevated – enzymes from the pancreas.

–  CT scan or

–  MRI

– Ultrasound

Treatment:

1.)  Pain medication
.    Morphine

2.)  IV and hydration

3.)  Decrease or stop oral food

4.)  TPN  (total parenteral nutrition) is often used

5.)  Antibiotics may be necessary in some cases

.  Floroquinolone
.  Metronidazole
.  Imipenem
.  Meropenem

6.)  ERCP –  (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)

7.)  Surgery