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.

Symptoms of Acute Pancreatities

Mild or severe pain in your upper abdomen
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Fast heartbeat
Swollen abdomen

Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatities

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

Treatment Methods for Actue pancreatities and Chronic pancreatities

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.