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Acute pancreatitis

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What is Acute Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, which is a gland located in the abdomen, responsible for the production of digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin. Acute pancreatitis occurs when these digestive enzymes are activated within the pancreas, leading to inflammation and injury to the pancreatic tissue.

 

How does it occur?

Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by different factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, gallstones obstructing the pancreatic duct, or infections. These events lead to the early activation of pancreatic enzymes, resulting in tissue damage and inflammation.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of acute pancreatitis can vary in intensity, but generally include:

  • Intense abdominal pain, located in the center or upper left side of the abdomen.
  • Frequent nausea and vomiting.
  • Abdominal swelling.
  • Fever.
  • Loss of appetite.

In more severe cases, complications such as organ failure, bleeding, or serious infections may occur.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is based on clinical symptoms, physical examination, and the results of complementary tests. Blood tests can reveal elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase and lipase. In addition, abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging may be requested to assess the severity of inflammation and rule out other conditions.

What is the treatment?

The treatment of acute pancreatitis aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and allow the pancreas to recover. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment may involve:

  • Hospitalization: in more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to monitor symptoms, provide intravenous hydration, and administer medications for pain and nausea control.
  • Fasting and parenteral feeding: to allow the pancreas to rest and recover, the doctor may recommend a period of fasting and the administration of nutrients intravenously.
  • Pain control: analgesics may be prescribed to relieve intense abdominal pain and provide comfort to the patient.
  • Treatment of complications: in severe cases, complications such as infections, abscesses, or cyst formation in the pancreas may occur. In these cases, it may be necessary to drain accumulated fluids or perform surgical procedures to correct the problem.

It is essential to follow medical guidelines and adopt a healthy lifestyle after an episode of acute pancreatitis, such as avoiding alcohol consumption, adopting a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Remember that each case of acute pancreatitis is unique, and the therapeutic approach may vary according to the severity and individual needs of the patient. Therefore, it is essential to seek appropriate guidance from a health professional specialized in the treatment of pancreatic diseases.

The Figure was partly generated using Servier Medical Art, provided by Servier, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 unported license.


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