Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis Causes
The pancreas serves two distinct and vital functions. It produces digestive juices and enzymes that help break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats inside your small intestine. It also secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulates the path to your body, metabolizes sugar (glucose).
Pancreatitis Definition
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of pancreas. The pancreas is a big gland behind the stomach and just close to the duodenum.
Pancreatitis Diagnosis
A sample of your blood may be analyzed for abnormalities such as: Elevated levels of the pancreatic enzymes, amylase and lipase; Elevated white blood cell count; Elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin, a substance that results from breakdown of red blood cells; High blood sugar (hyperglycemia); Low calcium level high calcium levels can cause pancreatitis, but low levels of calcium in the blood, called hypocalcemia, are a common result
Pancreatitis Symptoms and Signs
Signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis include: Nausea and vomiting; Fever; Rapid pulse; Swollen, tender abdomen; in severe cases, dehydration and low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and shock.
Pancreatitis Treatment
Treatment includes therapy for alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or smoking if these factors play a role in your pancreatitis. A team approach involving a chemical dependency counselor and a psychologist trained in cognitive therapy would be the most helpful.