Acute Pancreatitis (Disease of pancreas)

Several factors can trigger acute pancreatitis:

• Gallstones: These can block the pancreatic duct, causing enzyme buildup.
• Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol intake is a common cause.
• Metabolic disorders: Conditions like hyperlipidemia, malnutrition, hereditary pancreatitis, and hypercalcemia.
• Infections: Such as viral hepatitis, mumps, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
• Anatomical anomalies: Including choledochocele and pancreas divisum.
• Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder affecting the pancreas.
• Trauma or procedures: Injury from accidents or medical procedures like ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) or EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) with fine-needle aspiration.
• Surgical damage: Injury to the pancreas during surgery.

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis can vary but often include:

• Severe abdominal pain: Typically in the upper or middle abdomen, radiating to the back or left shoulder blade, and worsening after eating fatty foods.
• Nausea and vomiting: Common digestive disturbances.
• Rapid heartbeat: An increased heart rate.
• Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat.
• Chills and fever: Accompanied by shivering.
• Indigestion: Discomfort or difficulty digesting food.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Abdominal bloating: Swelling and a feeling of fullness.
• Hiccups: Persistent hiccups may occur.

Diagnosing acute pancreatitis involves several tests:

• Laboratory tests: Elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes like amylase and lipase in the blood and urine.
• Imaging studies: Techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the pancreas and detect inflammation or blockages.

Management of acute pancreatitis focuses on supportive care:

• Hospitalization: Most patients require admission for monitoring and treatment.
• Fasting: Allowing the pancreas to rest by refraining from eating for a few days.
• Pain management: Administering medications to control pain.
• Hydration: Providing intravenous fluids to maintain fluid balance.
• Nutritional support: Gradual reintroduction of food, starting with clear liquids and advancing as tolerated.
• Addressing underlying causes: Treating the root cause, such as removing gallstones or managing alcohol use.

In severe cases, complications like necrotizing pancreatitis or organ failure may occur, necessitating intensive care and possibly surgical intervention.