English
Acute Pancreatitis Treatment

Acute Pancreas

Acute Pancreatitis Treatment

The pancreas, a gland located beneath the stomach, can become acutely inflamed, leading to a condition known as acute pancreatitis. This inflammation is often triggered by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption, which activate the pancreas's digestive enzymes, causing the organ to self-digest. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure levels of lipase and amylase, along with imaging studies such as CT scans and sometimes endoscopic procedures.

Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care, including intravenous fluids, pain management, and nutritional support. In severe cases, intensive care may be necessary, with interventions like fluid drainage or surgery to remove damaged tissue. Addressing underlying causes, such as treating gallstones or abstaining from alcohol, is essential for preventing future episodes. Long-term complications can include recurrent pancreatitis or the progression to chronic pancreatitis.

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalised and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

FAQ's

Acute pancreatitis is a medical illness characterised by spontaneous inflammation (swelling) of the pancreas. Digestion is aided by the pancreas, a little organ situated beyond the stomach.

Most patients with acute pancreatitis recover completely in approximately a week and don't experience any more issues. However, significant consequences can arise in certain individuals who have severe acute pancreatitis.

Usually, you may experience an abrupt beginning of discomfort in the sternum, the middle of the upper abdomen, or the area beneath the breastbone. The discomfort might get worse, become more intense, and perhaps radiate to the back. Walking or lying down can exacerbate it, although leaning forward could help. Anyone experiencing constant discomfort ought to see a doctor.

The following symptoms may also occur:

  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling in the abdomen
  • Diarrhoea
  • Rapid pulse

Common causes of acute pancreatitis: These factors account for almost 80% of pancreatitis cases. There are two primary causes of pancreatitis:

  • Gallstones

  • Heavy drinking.

Less common causes of acute pancreatitis: 

Among the less frequent causes of pancreatitis are:

  • Viral infections

  • Pancreatitis is caused by an autoimmune illness

  • Hereditary pancreatitis is caused by inherited gene mutations

  • Consequences related to cystic fibrosis

  • Hypertriglyceridemia: elevated blood triglyceride levels

  • High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)

  • Ischaemia, or reduced blood flow.

  • Cancer

  • Damage to your pancreas by trauma

  • Certain drugs that irritate the pancreas

Your doctor will examine your pancreas using imaging and blood testing if you exhibit typical pancreatitis symptoms. A pancreatic blood test checks your blood for higher-than-normal amounts of pancreatic enzymes. If the levels are three times higher than usual, pancreatitis will be suspected by your healthcare professional.

An MRI CT scan, or another cross-sectional imaging test, may be used to confirm the diagnosis. In addition to pancreatic enlargement and fluid accumulation, these tests may indicate other abnormalities.

Your healthcare practitioner could prescribe more testing if they think you have chronic pancreatitis, such as:

  • Test your blood sugar levels to see if your pancreas is still efficiently making insulin.

  • To determine if your pancreas is producing adequate digestive enzymes, use a stool elastase test.

  • Faecal fat analysis (to check for signs of fat malabsorption, such as extra fat in the faeces).

  • Blood tests (to determine if your blood has adequate fat-soluble vitamins and to evaluate your nutritional condition).

The severity of acute pancreatitis determines how it should be treated. Mild instances of acute pancreatitis have a minimal chance of complications, and symptoms go away in a few days. However, in severe acute pancreatitis, considerable complications may develop.

For mild acute pancreatitis:

The goal is to keep the body functioning normally and reduce symptoms until the pancreas repairs itself. The course of therapy might involve:

  • Painkillers: Mild acute pancreatitis might cause moderate to severe pain.

  • Nasogastric tubes: These are useful for relieving vomiting and nausea by removing extra fluids and air.

  • Bowel rest: The patient won't be able to eat or drink anything by mouth until their condition gets better since the gastrointestinal tract has to rest for a few days. When prolonged bowel rest is indicated, enteral nutrition may be provided.

  • Preventing dehydration: Dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms and health problems associated with pancreatitis. For the first 24 to 48 hours, fluid is often given intravenously by medical experts.

For severe acute pancreatitis:

  • Antibiotic injections can help stop an infection from growing in the dead tissue.

  • Intravenous Fluids: They aid in preserving fluid balance and guard against hypovolemic shock.

  • Feeding Tubes: These are used to deliver nutrients, and starting this course early might have a positive impact on a patient’s recovery.

  • Surgery: The medical staff may suggest removing the dead tissue surgically in some circumstances.

Serious side effects from pancreatitis might include:

  • Renal failure: Waste products may not be removed from the blood by the kidneys as a result of acute pancreatitis. Dialysis, or artificial filtration, may be required for either a short-term or long-term course of therapy.

  • Breathing issues: The functioning of the lungs can be altered by acute pancreatitis, which can lead to dangerously low blood oxygen levels.

  • Infection: Acute pancreatitis may increase the susceptibility of the pancreas to infections. Serious pancreatic infections need aggressive therapy, including surgery or other methods to remove contaminated tissue.

  • Pseudocyst: A pseudocyst is a "pocket" in the pancreas where fluid and debris can accumulate as a result of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Ruptures of big pseudocysts can result in consequences including infection and internal bleeding.

  • Malnutrition: The pancreas may not generate enough digestive enzymes in cases of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Weight loss, diarrhoea, and malnutrition may result from this.

  • Diabetes: When insulin-producing cells are harmed by chronic pancreatitis, diabetes may occur.

  • Pancreas cancer: The pancreatic cancer incidence rate increases due to chronic inflammation of the pancreas.

While you can't stop every pancreatitis, you can lower your risk by consuming alcohol in moderation. By lowering cholesterol, you can lower your chance of developing gallstones, which is the other major reason for developing acute pancreatitis.

If you've already experienced acute pancreatitis, quitting smoking and alcohol may prevent you from getting it again. Removing your gallbladder can help stop a recurrence of gallstone pancreatitis.

Home Mukundapur Specialities Gi-surgery Acute-pancreas

Appointment
Health Check
Contact Us
review icon
Review Us
Call Us