Pancreatitis: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreas is the largest glands in the human body located in the upper part of small intestine. The pancreas produces enzymes that assist digestion and hormones that help regulate the way your body processes sugar (glucose).
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of pancreas. Pancreatic damage occurs when the digestive enzymes are activated before they are secreted into the duodenum and begin attacking the pancreas. It may be acute (sudden and severe) and chronic (long lasting). Both forms of pancreatitis occur more often in men than women.

Recovery Time

Most people with acute pancreatitis improve within a week and experience no further problems, but severe cases can have serious complications and can even be fatal.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Blood and stool test
• Abdominal X-ray
• CT and Ultrasound scan
• Endoscopy
• MRI

FAQs prepared by doctor

1. What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the gland of the pancreas.

2. What is pancreas?
Pancreas is the largest glands in the human body located in the upper part of small intestine. The pancreas produces enzymes that assist digestion and hormones that help regulate the way your body processes sugar (glucose).

3. What are the types of pancreas?
It may be acute (sudden and severe) and chronic (long lasting).

4. What is the incidence of the disease?
Both forms of pancreatitis occur more often in men than women.

5. What to do when suffering from such disease?
One shall refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking, take plenty of fluids, Low fat diet and take enzyme supplements.

6. When shall one consult a doctor?
One shall consult a doctor immediately when gets persistent abdominal pain, dehydration along with low blood pressure and poor digestion which may lead to malnutrition along with Heart and kidney failure.

7. What are the complications of pancreatitis?
Its an emergency situation if not consulted doctor early it may lead to shock and organ failure.