Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland that secretes a digestive juice, promoting digestion, and hormones (insulin and glucagon) whose role is to regulate sugar levels in the body.
The inflammation is due to a significant secretion of enzymes that can not be discharged into the duodenum.
Acute pancreatitis is mainly caused by gallstones (small stones jamming channels). A high intake of alcohol, certain medications or other conditions may favor the development of acute pancreatitis.
Symptoms usually occur without warning during digestion. The person feels a great abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting frequently. It may run a fever, be very bloated.
Other symptoms such as sweating or frozen hands and feet underline the seriousness of the condition. Although 80% of cases are mild, a medical consultation is necessary.
The doctor treats the cause (alcohol, gallstones ...) and relieves pain. The patient is fed intravenously or by tube, as appropriate. Surgery is sometimes necessary.
16 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |