The pancreas is a flat and long gland, situated behind the stomach in the upper part of the abdomen. The pancreas creates enzymes to aid in the digestion process. Also, pancreatic hormones help balance the appetite and blood sugar level and regulate stomach acids. Pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases of the pancreas in which the pancreas gets inflamed. It is a severe condition where the digestive enzymes begin digesting the pancreas itself. Pancreatitis can be chronic or acute and both of these types are serious issues and can lead to complications. While acute pancreatitis happens suddenly and gets cured within a few days with treatment, the chronic condition does not improve and can lead to severe conditions.
Causes of Pancreatitis
Listed below are some conditions that can lead to pancreatitis
- Heavy alcohol consumption on a regular basis
- Abdominal surgery
- Cystic fibrosis
- Certain medications
- Gallstones
- Pancreatic cancer
- Obesity
- Injury to the abdomen
- Infection
- Hypertriglyceridemia or high triglyceride levels in the blood
- High calcium levels in the blood caused by an overactive parathyroid gland
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of pancreatitis experienced by an individual may depend on the type of pancreatitis they have. Those who are suffering from acute pancreatitis can feel the following symptoms.
- Pain in the upper part in the abdomen that spreads to the back (pain may
- increase after eating)
- Long-lasting, high fever
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Swelling and tenderness in the abdomen
Mentioned below are key symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:
- Severe weight-loss, typically caused by mal-absorption of food
- Nausea and diarrhoea
- Constant pain in the upper abdominal region
- Excessive thirst and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Complications of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can cause some severe complications, including:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Diabetes
- Pseudocyst
- Infection
- Kidney failure
- Malnutrition
People who feel any signs symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and others, they should visit a doctor right away. It is advised for them to consult specialised doctors and Pancreas specialists at Gangaram hospital in Delhi or other top hospitals in other cities.
Dr. Vikas Singla 