Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by alcohol use, gallstones, or other conditions. It is a sudden and potentially serious medical condition that can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. While acute pancreatitis typically resolves within a few days, in some cases, it may cause long-term complications.
What Is Acute Pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by gallstones, alcohol use, or certain medications. The pancreas plays a key role in producing digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, these enzymes and hormones can leak into the abdomen, causing severe pain and discomfort.
What Are the Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?
The most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is sudden, severe abdominal pain. This pain typically radiates to the back and is usually worse after eating. Other symptoms of acute pancreatitis can include nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin).
How Is Acute Pancreatitis Treated?
Treatment for acute pancreatitis typically involves rest, intravenous fluids, and pain medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove gallstones or to repair any damaged tissue. Additionally, patients may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
Can Acute Pancreatitis Become a Long-Term Condition?
In some cases, acute pancreatitis can cause long-term complications. These can include scarring of the pancreas (known as pancreatic fibrosis), infection, and even pancreatic cancer. Patients who have had acute pancreatitis may need to be monitored for long-term complications, as well as for any signs or symptoms of pancreatic cancer.