Acute pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, and certain infections. This inflammation can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and an elevated heart rate. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as pancreatic necrosis, infections, and even death.
Causes of Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is usually caused by gallstones, which block the pancreatic duct and cause the pancreas to become inflamed. Other causes of acute pancreatitis include excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, and certain infections.
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis
The most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, and an elevated heart rate.
Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis
To diagnose acute pancreatitis, the doctor will perform a physical exam and order blood tests and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. The doctor may also order a pancreatic function test, which is a test that measures the amount of pancreatic enzymes in the blood.
Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis
Treatment for acute pancreatitis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be treated with rest, fluids, and pain medications. For more severe cases, the doctor may recommend hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics. Surgery may also be necessary to remove gallstones or to repair any damage to the pancreas.
