| Pancreatitis Acute
abdominal conditions are serious and can be life threatening if
not promptly diagnosed and treated. An example is Pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process occurring when
digestive enzymes, instead of breaking down food in the small
intestine, instead attack the pancreas itself. It may be acute
(appearing suddenly) or chronic (persisting over many months or
years). There may be many causes of pancreatitis, but the main
causes are heavy alcohol use and a history of gallstones.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include epigastric pain or
right upper quadrant pain radiating into the back, nausea and
vomiting, rapid pulse, swollen and tender abdomen and, in severe
cases, dehydration and low blood pressure, internal bleeding and
shock. Patients often have a history of previous gallstones or
kidney stones, heavy alcohol use, and frequently recent surgery.
In the emergency room, about 80% of patients with acute
pancreatitis respond to conservative treatment, including
fluids, pain medication, and antibiotics. Some cases may also
require parenteral nutrition and/or blood transfusions. If the
patient does not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may
be necessary.
If acute pancreatitis is not properly diagnosed and treated,
death may occur.
< Back to Practice Areas
|
