What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and can’t function properly. It can be acute, meaning it appears suddenly and can be severe, or chronic, meaning it can linger for a long time and be less severe. Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, fever, and weight loss.
Risk Factors
There are a number of risk factors for pancreatitis, including alcohol abuse, gallstones, smoking, high triglyceride levels, some medications, and certain medical conditions.
Diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose pancreatitis based on your symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and lab tests. Ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans can also be used to diagnose pancreatitis.
Treatment
Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the severity and cause of the condition. Mild cases may not require any specific treatment, but more severe cases may require medications, nutrition support, or surgery. In addition, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol can help manage the condition.