Pain in the belly may be due to pancreatitis. Learn about pancreatitis symptoms , how to diagnose and treatment.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. It is an organ located in the abdomen and plays an important role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body cells. The pancreas has two functions - Exocrine function that helps in digestion and endocrine function that regulates the blood sugar.
Pancreatitis is potentially life threatening disease. It can be acute or chronic. In severe cases it may cause bleeding, infection and permanent tissue damage.
The Most common cause of pancreatitis is alcohol or from gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct.
Pancreatitis is difficult to diagnose during its early stages. It is not like other diseases that can just be diagnosed with blood tests as it is tricky to find the changes in the pancreas by the same method. Among imaging modalities available in Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan abdomen with or without contrast, MRI abdomen can be extremely useful in identifying the tumour in the pancreas.
For treatment of pancreatitis many options are available. The main thing in treatment of pancreatitis is to reduce the pain and heal the digestive tract. In severe conditions surgery is the last option to treat pancreatitis.
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation in the pancreas which causes swelling and pain. It occurs in the stomach pain that spreads to your back.
What Are Types of Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is generally divided into two forms:-
Acute Pancreatitis
- Main cause of hospital admission for hospital abdominal issues
- Onset of pancreatitis is often very sudden
- Common in adults and children
- Caused by the Gallstones
Chronic Pancreatitis
- Inflammation of pancreas that is occuring over a long time and comes back consistently.
- Consumption of alcohol from long term can cause pancreatitis in adults.
- Other causes include- Certain autoimmune and genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
- May cause permanent damage to their pancreas or may cause scar tissue to develop from this continuing inflammation.
Necrotizing Pancreatitis
- Severe type of pancreatitis may develop in necrotizing pancreatitis, also known as death of cell due to disease.,
What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?
The most common symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain especially in the upper abdomen.
Pancreatitis may have these additional symptoms:-
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Mild or severe pain
- Pain that may spread to back
- Pain that may become worse after eating
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Swollen or tender abdomen
- Fast heart rate
- Fat in the stool (Steatorrhea)
What Are the Causes of Pancreatitis?
The most common causes of both acute and chronic pancreatitis:-
- Gallstones
- Heavy alcohol use
- Infections -virus or parasites
- Injury to abdomen
- Pancreatic cancer
- Certain medication
- Pancreas divisum
What Are the Complications Associated With Pancreatitis?
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Malnutrition
- Diabetes
- Pancreatic infections
- Pseudocysts
How to Diagnose Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a complex condition that demands careful diagnosis for effective management. Firstly, the doctor will ask for the history of the patient and will examine the patient physically. With this doctor may recommend a combination of blood tests and imaging studies.
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre in Delhi is considered as one of the elite diagnostic centres as they offer a wide range diagnostic test at one stop to identify and assess the pancreatic inflammation.
Blood Test
Pancreatic blood test is used to detect the problems in the pancreas. The types of blood test that checks the elevated levels of the enzymes secreted by the pancreas- Amylase test, Lipase test
Imaging Test
Ultrasound- When it comes to the initial assessment of patients who have acute pancreatitis, whether confirmed or suspected, ultrasound is crucial. Ultrasonography is used to evaluate not only the pancreatic parenchyma but also the gallbladder, biliary tree, peripancreatic tissues, and local vascular structures.
MRI- It is used to diagnose pancreatitis with the help of magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the organs and tissue.
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)- It is a contrast MRI that is used to diagnose pancreatitis.
If the fat content of your stools is higher than usual, you can also find out with a faecal fat test.
CT scan techniques can provide details about the biliary and pancreatic ducts, as well as the anatomy of your pancreas and any indications of inflammation.
How is Pancreatitis Treated?
Treatment of pancreatitis depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment for acute pancreatitis is usually supportive because, barring complications, the condition usually resolves on its own. The patient is typically admitted to the hospital.
To restore blood volume, the doctor recommends intravenous fluids. Treatments for the lungs and kidneys are options to avoid failure. Treatment may also be necessary for other issues, such as pancreatic cysts.
When a patient is unable to control their vomiting, fluid and air must be removed from their stomach using a tube inserted through their nose. In mild cases, the patient may receive IV fluids and painkillers and go without food for three or four days. In extreme situations, the patient might need three to six weeks of intravenous feeding while the pancreas heals gradually.
Pancreatitis may occur due to gallstone which may result in severe pancreatitis in that case gallstone removal of pancreas removal is the only solution.
Depending on the cause, the prevention strategy may involve dietary modifications like cutting back on fried foods and heavy meals as well as abstaining from alcohol.
How to Prevent Pancreatitis From Impacting Your Health?
- Take healthy diet and smaller and more frequent meals
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try alternative therapies for pain like- yoga and acupuncture
- Monitor nutritional status
- Take supplements with vitamin ,C,D,E and K
- Add probiotics and green vegetables in your diet
- Consume green tea
- Avoid alcohol
Conclusion
Pancreatitis is a dangerous illness that can lead to severe discomfort and even fatal consequences. By identifying the warning indicators, such as fever, nausea, and abdominal pain, you can get medical help right away and get a proper diagnosis.
By being aware of the different causes, such as gallstones and alcohol consumption, you and other affected individuals can modify your lifestyle and lower your risk.
Patients with suspected pancreatitis should undergo diagnostic tests to evaluate the cause, structural and functional abnormalities.
Why Us?
Early examinations are always preferred over later ones. The various health examinations conducted at our centre serve as examples of safety, caution, and care. At your service is the Nearby Pathology Lab.
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center, we offer health packages for all your needs to protect your health.
Look for the Diagnostic Centre nearby in your area and complete the test as soon as possible.
Therefore, come see us as soon as possible to guarantee your health and to keep you healthy and fine.
