ACUTE PANCREATITIS

The pancreas is an elongated organ that lies in the back of the mid-abdomen that is responsible for producing digestive juices and certain hormones, including insulin.
Acute pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, causing a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain.
Most attacks of acute pancreatitis do not lead to complications.
In a small proportion of people, acute pancreatitis  can be serious needing hospitalization.

CAUSES

Gallstones and  heavy alcohol consumption are the common causes in US.
Other causes include medications, genetic diseases, infectious agents, endoscopic procedures involving the pancreatic and bile ducts etc.

SYMPTOMS

Sudden, constant pain associated with nausea and vomiting  in the upper part of the abdomen is the  hallmark of acute pancreatitis.

DIAGNOSIS

Based on medical history, physical examination, and the results of specific diagnostic tests such as serum amylase and lipase.
Computed tomography scan is a good test for diagnosing acute pancreatitis
TREATMENT
Treatment usually requires hospitalization for at least a few days. The specific treatment measures used depend upon whether a person has mild or moderate to severe pancreatitis.

Antibiotics, drugs to control the pain and intravenous fluids are commonly used.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended to prevent   recurrence of gallstone pancreatitis.

For more information please see
www.gastro.org
www.acg.gi.org
www.pancreasfoundation.org