What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be caused by gallstones, alcohol use, or certain medications. Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
What are the Types of Pancreatitis?
There are two types of pancreatitis – acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden, severe inflammation of the pancreas that is usually caused by gallstones or alcohol use. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term, progressive inflammation of the pancreas that often causes severe pain and can lead to complications such as diabetes.
How is Pancreatitis Pain Treated?
Treatment for pancreatitis pain depends on the cause of the inflammation. For acute pancreatitis, treatments may include pain medications, antibiotics, and surgery to remove gallstones. For chronic pancreatitis, treatments may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and eating a healthy diet. Other treatments may include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and in some cases, surgery to remove part of the pancreas.