The 2 most common causes of pancreatitis are gallstones and heavy alcohol consumption. Around 1 in every 2 people with acute pancreatitis have been heavy drinkers. Gallstones cause most of the remaining cases.
Pancreatitis is the redness and swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas. It may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). The most common causes are alcohol abuse and lumps of solid material (gallstones) in the gallbladder. The goal for treatment is to rest the pancreas and let it heal.
About 4 out of 5 cases of acute pancreatitis improve quickly and don't cause any serious further problems. However, 1 in 5 cases are severe and can result in life-threatening complications, such as multiple organ failure. In severe cases where complications develop, there's a high risk of the condition being fatal.
Pancreatitis is inflammation in your pancreas. It's usually temporary (acute) but can also be a life-long (chronic) condition. The most common symptom is abdominal pain. The most common causes are alcohol use and gallstones.
Acute pancreatitis usually clears up within one to two weeks. Solid foods are generally avoided for a while in order to reduce the strain on the pancreas. Supportive measures like an infusion (IV drip) to provide fluids and painkillers can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
See a GI specialist if you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, have persistent fatigue, develop jaundice, have ongoing stomach pain or a persistent bowel pattern change.
Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits. These are high in nutrition and low in fat. Eat whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta. Avoid breads that have been fried or deep-fried, like bannock or doughnuts, or breads that have a high fat content, like croissants.
If acute pancreatitis has led to severe infection and necrosis, or dead tissue, doctors may recommend a resection, or removal, of the diseased portion of the pancreas. Doctors may also recommend resection for people with chronic pancreatitis if the condition has progressed enough to cause severe tissue damage.
Common foods that irritate the pancreas include liver, red meat, hamburgers, French fries, and potato chips. Full-fat milk or cheese, margarine, and butter, along with pastries and mayonnaise are other foods to avoid.
Emotional stress can excite the vagus nerve (connects the brain with the stomach) and causes the stomach to be stimulated to produce excessive amounts of acid. As noted, this increase in acid stimulates an increase in pancreatic secretion production. This can exacerbate pancreatitis once it has been established.
Pain in the Upper Abdomen That Radiates to Your Back. Abdominal Pain Worsens After Eating, Especially Foods High in Fat. Abdomen Is Tender to the Touch. Nausea/Vomiting.
Given the importance of the pancreas as an organ, you might think living without one is impossible – like trying to live without a heart. But you can in fact live without a pancreas.
Pancreatitis has two stages — acute and chronic. Chronic pancreatitis is a more persistent condition. Most cases of acute pancreatitis are mild and involve a short hospital stay for the pancreas to recover. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly after the pancreas is damaged.
As the inflammation in your pancreas improves and pain symptoms improve, you should begin drinking clear liquids and eating bland foods.
Fried foods and high-fat foods
The pancreas helps with fat digestion, so foods with more fat make the pancreas work harder. Other examples of high-fat foods to avoid include: high-fat dairy products, such as cream, whole milk, and full fat cheeses. processed meats, such as hot dogs and sausage.
There are a few things you must completely avoid, such as alcohol and fried/greasy/high fat foods (such as creamy sauces, fast food, full fat meat and dairy, and anything fried). These foods can cause your pancreas to release more enzymes at once than it normally would, leading to an attack.
Your healthcare provider may order a pancreas blood test if you have symptoms of pancreatitis or another pancreatic disorder. This blood test can determine if you have elevated levels of the digestive enzymes amylase and lipase in your bloodstream.
About 90%-95% of patients treated for acute pancreatitis may completely recover if the underlying cause such as alcohol or infection is appropriately treated. Some people may develop chronic pancreatitis or die from complications such as kidney failure, diabetes, breathing problems and/or brain damage.
The main symptom of pancreatitis is medium to severe pain in the upper belly. Pain may also spread to the middle of your back. Some people have other symptoms too, such as nausea, vomiting, a fever, and sweating.
It can range from mild discomfort to a severe, life-threatening illness. Most people with acute pancreatitis recover completely after getting the right treatment. In severe cases, acute pancreatitis can cause bleeding, serious tissue damage, infection, and cysts.
Diabetes. Diabetes occurs when sugars build up in the blood due to the pancreas not producing enough insulin (or not using it correctly) resulting in low energy levels.