Acute & Chronic Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden-onset inflammation of the pancreas and usually resolves over a period of time. It is most commonly caused by alcohol abuse or gallstones. Conversely, chronic pancreatitis is when your pancreas faces recurrent inflammation which does not heal or improve over time.Chronic pancreatitis can progress over time and leads to scarring, calcification and atrophy of the pancreas.
- Mild or severe pain in your upper abdomen
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fast heartbeat
- Swollen abdomen
- Constant and severe abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea & vomiting
- Shortness of breath and fatigue
- Weight loss
Acute Pancreatitis can be diagnosed through
- Blood test for amylase and lipase enzymes
- Clinical Urine test
Chronic Pancreatitis can be diagnosed by
- X-rays
- Endocrine Ultrasounds
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Intravenous injection of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Painkiller medications
- Artificial enzymes to help digestion
- Endoscopic Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) -ERCP combines endoscopy and X-rays to reverse any narrowing in the bile or pancreatic ducts and remove gallstones.
