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Pancreas Diseases

An inflammation of the organ lying behind the lower part of the stomach (pancreas).

Pancreatitis may start suddenly and last for days or it can occur over many years. It has many causes, including gallstones and chronic, heavy alcohol use.

Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Treatment usually requires hospitalisation. Once they stabilise the patient, doctors treat the underlying cause.

Common Disorders of the Pancreas,

  • Acute Pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden attack causing inflammation of the pancreas and is usually associated with severe upper abdominal pain.,
  • Chronic Pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is the progressive disorder associated with the destruction of the pancreas.,
  • Hereditary Pancreatitis.,
  • Pancreatic Cancer.,

What are the symptoms of your pancreas not working properly?

Symptoms

  • Upper abdominal pain.
  • Abdominal pain that radiates to your back.
  • Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating.
  • Fever.
  • Rapid pulse.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Tenderness when touching the abdomen.

Pancreatitis Diagnosis

To diagnose acute pancreatitis, your doctor tests your blood to measure two digestive enzymes: amylase and lipase. High levels of these two enzymes mean you probably have acute pancreatitis.

Other tests can include:

  • Pancreatic function test to find out whether your pancreas is making the right amounts of digestive enzymes
  • Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI, which make images of your pancreas
  • ERCP, in which your doctor uses a long tube with a camera on the end to look at your pancreatic and bile ducts
  • Biopsy, in which your doctor uses a needle to remove a small piece of tissue from your pancreas to be studied.

In some cases, your doctor may test your blood and poop to confirm the diagnosis. They may also do a glucose tolerance test to measure damage to the cells in your pancreas that make insulin.

 

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis If you have chronic pancreatitis, you might need more treatments, including:

  • Insulin to treat diabetes
  • Pain medicine
  • Pancreatic enzymes to help your body get enough nutrients from your food
  • Surgery or procedures to relieve pain, help with drainage, or treat blockages