Subtitle: Elevated Markers in Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be caused by gallstones, alcohol abuse, or certain medications. Patients with pancreatitis experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis of pancreatitis is often confirmed by blood tests that measure certain markers. When these markers are elevated, it usually indicates that the patient has pancreatitis.
Amylase is an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates. It is released by the pancreas and can be measured in the blood. When the pancreas is inflamed, the level of amylase in the blood is often elevated.
Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats. It is also released by the pancreas and can be measured in the blood. When the pancreas is inflamed, the level of lipase in the blood is often elevated.
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. When there is inflammation in the body, neutrophils are released into the bloodstream. An elevated level of neutrophils in the blood can indicate that a patient has pancreatitis.
White Blood Cells (WBCs) are cells that help fight infection and are released into the bloodstream during inflammation. An elevated level of white blood cells in the blood can indicate that a patient has pancreatitis.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein that is released into the bloodstream in response to inflammation. An elevated level of CRP in the blood can indicate that a patient has pancreatitis.
