Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates in food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use the glucose it takes from food for energy.

Normally, digestive enzymes do not become active until they reach the small intestine, where they begin digesting food, but if these enzymes become active inside the pancreas, they start “digesting" the pancreas itself. This process is called autodigestion and causes swelling, haemorrhage and damage to the blood vessels. An attack may last for 2 days.

Types

• Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts a short period of time, usually resolving. Acute pancreatitis is usually caused by drinking too much alcohol or by gallstones. A gallstone can block the pancreatic duct, trapping digestive enzymes in the pancreas and causing pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis generally causes severe pain and the sufferer will need emergency treatment in a hospital.

• Chronic pancreatitis does not resolve on its own and results in a slow destruction of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes attack and destroy the pancreas and nearby tissues. It is usually caused by many years of alcohol abuse, excess iron in the blood and other unknown factors. However, it may also be triggered by only one acute attack, especially if the pancreatic ducts are damaged.

Either form can cause serious complications. In severe cases, bleeding, tissue damage and infection may occur. Pseudocysts, and accumulation of fluid and tissue debris, may also develop, and enzymes and toxins may enter the bloodstream, injuring the heart, lungs and kidneys, or other organs.

Acute pancreatitis generally causes severe pain and the sufferer will need emergency treatment in a hospital.

Diagnosis

Pancreatitis is generally diagnosed by examination of the abdomen, and confirmed using a series of medical tests, including:

General tests: blood tests and X-rays.
Ultrasound: Sound waves form a picture that detects the presence of gallstones.
CT scan: A specialised X-ray takes three-dimensional pictures of the pancreas.

Complications

Some of the complications of pancreatitis are low blood pressure, heart failure, kidney failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), diabetes, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), and cysts or abscesses in the pancreas.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the causes and severity of the condition, but may include:

Acute pancreatitis

Hospital care in all cases of acute pancreatitis
Intensive care in hospital in cases of severe acute pancreatitis
Fasting and intravenous fluids until the inflammation settles down
Endoscopy: A thin tube is inserted through your oesophagus to allow the doctor to see your pancreas.
Surgery: If gallstones are present, removing the gallbladder will help prevent further attacks. In rare cases, surgery is needed to remove damaged or dead areas of the pancreas.
Lifestyle changes: Eliminating alcohol.