The pancreas is a long, flat gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It produces digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate the body’s glucose handling. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden and short-term inflammation. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones, which can settle in the common bile duct or pancreatic duct, leading to inflammation. In the following, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods of pancreatitis.
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis
The individual experiences a sudden onset of pain in the middle of the upper abdomen, below the chest bone. The pain may intensify and radiate to the back.
Leaning forward may alleviate the pain, but lying down or walking can worsen it. Other possible symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal swelling and pain
- Rapid pulse
- Fever
Causes of Acute Pancreatitis
Gallstones are one of the most common causes of acute pancreatitis. Gallstones are small, gravel-like accumulations that form in the gallbladder when there is excess cholesterol in the body.
Sometimes, gallstones settle while passing through the bile ducts into the intestines. This obstruction affects the pancreas and prevents it from releasing its enzymes into the intestines.
Other possible causes of acute pancreatitis include:
- Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
- Pancreatic injury
- Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood
- Elevated calcium levels in the blood
- Certain medications
How is Acute Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
The abdominal wall muscles become rigid, so when the doctor listens to the abdomen using a stethoscope, bowel sounds are minimal or absent.
Blood tests: If amylase and lipase levels in the blood are higher than normal, it is usually due to pancreatitis because the pancreas produces elevated levels of both chemicals in response to tissue damage, and these enzymes then leak into the bloodstream.
Abdominal ultrasound: Involves using high-frequency sound waves to image the pancreas and gallbladder.
3D CT scan: Can help identify pancreatitis, fluid accumulation, and any changes in organ density.
Chest X-ray: Can show fluid accumulation in the chest cavity.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Involves using an internal scope, a thin and flexible tube with a camera, to view the digestive system and identify the location of gallstones.
Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis
The treatment of acute pancreatitis depends on its severity.
- Mild Acute Pancreatitis Treatment
- Pain relievers: Acute mild pancreatitis can be moderately to severely painful.
- Nasogastric tubes: Can remove excess fluids and air to relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Bowel rest: The digestive tract needs rest for a few days, and the person avoids oral intake of food or drinks until their condition improves.
- Prevention of dehydration: Often accompanies pancreatitis, and intravenous fluids are administered through injections for the first 24 to 48 hours. The person can recover and be discharged from the hospital after about 5-7 days.
- Severe Acute Pancreatitis Treatment
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) treatment: Administered antibiotics can help prevent infection development.
- Intravenous fluids: Help maintain water balance and prevent hypovolemic shock.
- Enteral feeding tubes: Provide nutrition and improve outcomes.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal may be recommended.
Best Doctor for Acute Pancreatitis Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is the best doctor for the treatment of acute pancreatitis. He is a liver and digestive system consultant and endoscopy specialist, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is currently a lecturer in internal medicine, liver diseases, and the digestive system at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. He regularly participates in various local and international scientific conferences and has numerous scientific research publications in prestigious medical journals.
Book your appointment now if you would like to consult with Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding acute pancreatitis, its causes, symptoms, and the latest treatment methods.