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Acute pancreatitis is a rapid inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces hormones which assist in our metabolism of glucose (like insulin) and also chemicals which break down and help digest the food we eat. It's a very serious illness and all patients with it should be looked after in hospital.
It can become inflamed for a number of reasons, the commonest in the western world being chronic alcohol use, and disease from gallstones. Some people on long term steroids from their doctor can also develop it, as can people who have a special hospital investigation called an ERCP. The viral infection that causes mumps is another known cause, although rarer.
In the short-term, there is no specific treatment for pancreatitis. Depending on how unwell patient's are with it, they may be cared for on general surgical ward, but some also require admission to an intensive care unit. The treatment is usually supportive - this means that the aim is to make the patient comfortable and correct any complications from the disease. This usually involves making sure the patient has adequate pain medication, is properly hydrated and receives appropriate nutritional support.
Patients can become extremely unwell with pancreatitis, and unfortunately it can be a fatal disease in some serious circumstances.
While most patients will go on to make a full recovery, some will have long-term complications from the disease, including failure of the pancreas itself (leading to Diabetes and/or problems with digestion), failure of other organs damaged during the acute phase (especially the kidneys), and serious infections in the abdomen which would require urgent surgery.
Avoiding pancreatitis isn't something that's always possible, but ensuring that you do not use more than the recommended intake of alcohol, and getting immunised against mumps are two ways some people may choose to avoid the disease.
Pancreatitis is usually extremely painful - needless to say anyone who experiences extreme abdominal pain should seek medical advice very urgently.
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What over the counter medications can i take for pancreatitis pain?
You should be on prescription pain medication if you have pancreatitis - it's a pretty painful condition that requires strong antibiotics to cure. Ask your doctor if he or she will write you a prescription until the condition is cured, because ibuprofen or acetaminophen is not going to be strong enough.
Can pancreatitis cause lethargy?
Pancreatitis in cats may cause lethargy.
What is lung pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis literally means "Inflammation of the Pancreas". Your lungs and pancreas are not part of the same system so lung pancreatitis doesn't exist.
Is jaundice normal with pancreatitis?
Jaundice is a condition that can occur in severe cases of Pancreatitis. Most often, jaundice occurs in patients who have contracted pancreatitis due to alcohol abuse.
Can you eat tuna with pancreatitis?
well i have pancreatitis too but too bad no you cant sorry pal
What is the difference between pancreatitis and hepatitis?
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas whereas hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver.
Can Acute Chemical Pancreatitis such as that brought on post surgery ever lead to Chronic Pancreatitis?
It could but probably would not. Acute pancreatitis is usually temporary due to alcohol, drugs, ect. Things that can be changed or eliminated entirely. Chronic pancreatitis is caused by other things. Gallstones, problems with the pancreas itself, ect. But with either type of pancreatitis diet plays a big part. People that suffer from chronic pancreatitis learn very quickly what can be tolerated and what cannot. And either kind of pancreatitis can be deadly, and is extremely painful.
Is pancreatitis painful?
Yes, the pancreas is inflamed and often times infected during pancreatitis making it a painful condition. IV or oral pain medication is often paired with the treatment of pancreatitis.
What is the condition known as chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis--or continuing inflammation of the pancreas that results in permanent damage to this organ--can develop from long-standing, recurring episodes of acute (periodic) pancreatitis.
Can amoxicillin trigger Pancreatitis?
no
Does milk have any effect to pancreatitis treatment?
yes in case of pancreatitis patient is kept on nil per mouth
Can you get pancreatitis back once gallbladder is removed?
You can most certainly develop pancreatitis after having your gall bladder removed. The gall bladder and pancreas share the same common bile duct and often times agitation to that area can stir up acute chemical pancreatitis.
