Pancreatitis: The Major Types, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Posted by Dr. Vikas Singla on July 24th, 2019

Pancreas is a large gland, which is located behind the stomach and next to the small intestine. This is a major endocrine glad that is known to produce a variety of important hormones, including glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide, somatostatin, and insulin. The two of the most crucial functions of the pancreas are:

•It helps in the food digestion process by releasing strong digestive enzymes into the small intestine.

•It facilitates the infusion of insulin and the hormones glucagon into the bloodstream.

Considering the crucial functions pancreas conduct, it is important that people suffering from any ailments relating to it immediately consult the best pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital or some other renowned medical institution.

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a type of an ailment that results in the inflammation of the pancreas. This pancreatic damage typically takes place when digestive enzymes are triggered prior to being released into the small intestine. In this situation, these enzymes end up attacking the pancreas.

Pancreatitis can be of two types, acute and chronic. Here is more on these medical conditions:

• Acute pancreatitis: This ailment results in short-lived, but sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Majority of people suffering from acute pancreatitis can completely recover after acquiring the necessary treatment and care. In severe stages, this ailment might lead to bleeding, infection, tissue damage, and cyst formation. It can even cause severe damage to diverse important organs, including the lungs, heart and kidneys. Pain in the upper abdominal region that spreads to the back, swelling and tenderness in the abdomen. As well as severe nausea and unmanageable vomiting are some of the major symptoms of acute pancreatitis.

• Chronic Pancreatitis: This medical condition is caused due to the long-term inflammation of the pancreatic gland. High alcohol abuse is one of the major causes of this chronic pancreatitis. An episode of acute pancreatitis may also trigger such a severe and chronic condition. Consistent and long-lasting pain in the upper abdominal region, diarrhea and nausea, severe weight-loss caused by mal-absorption of food are few of the key symptoms of acute pancreatitis.

Risk factors of pancreatitis

Several factors can come together or contribute to cause acute or chronic pancreatitis, here are few of the major risk factors of this ailment:

• Gallstones – These stones are caused by pieces of solid material forming in the gallbladder

• Heavy alcohol consumption

• Cystic fibrosis and high triglycerides

• Inherited metabolic disorders of the pancreas

• Autoimmune diseases and infections

• Certain medications may also pose a risk of causing pancreatitis

For the people suffering from any of the symptoms of pancreatitis, consulting the best pancreas specialist in Gangaram hospital or some other prestigious medical institution would be a prudent move. Swift and efficient treatment, as well as presence of state-of-the-art medical facilities can go a long way in enabling patients to adequately recover from this severe ailment and regain their wellbeing and health. Moreover, early diagnosis and treatment from an experienced doctor can help patients to avoid a lot of hassles and suffering in the future.