Pancreatitis, Chronic (Pancreas Inflammation)
Description
Inflammation of the pancreas causes the release of enzymes and autodigestion, and destruction of the pancreas.The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and produces insulin and glucagon. Pancreatitis has many causes with alcohol and gallstones being the most common. In chronic pancreatitis the gland gradually becomes less able to secrete digestive enzymes and sometimes insulin, leading to psuedocyst formation and diabetes. If untreated the disorder can be lethal.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, anxiety, chills, clammy skin, fatty stools (steatorrhea), fever, mild jaundice, nausea, sweating, weakness, weight loss, vomiting.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. An abdominal CT scan and/or ultrasound may be done to identify the extent of disease and the presence of a pseudocyst. An elevated lipase or amylase establishes the diagnosis.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Lipase
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
- Ultrasound
Treatment
The bowels will be rested by preventing oral intake. A nasogastric tube is sometimes inserted to remove gastric secretions. intravenous fluids, pain medications, and anti-nausea medications are administered. Pseudocysts, when large, may need to be drained. Drainage can occur in the following ways: through the skin, through an endoscope, and surgically. For more information contact the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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