Medical News Today Pancreas: Functions and disorders

Pancreatitis is the redness and swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas. This happens when digestive juices or enzymes attack the pancreas.

The pancreas lies behind your stomach on the left side of your belly. It is close to the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum).

Pancreatitis may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic).

• Acute pancreatitis
• Is a sudden inflammation
• Lasts for a short time
• Lets the pancreas return to normal afterward
• May cause serious problems or be deadly in severe cases

Chronic pancreatitis

• Is a long-lasting inflammation that comes and goes over time
• Causes permanent damage to the pancreas
• Often causes scarring of pancreatic tissue

The most common causes of pancreatitis include:

• Alcohol abuse
• Lumps of solid material (gallstones) found in the gallbladder.
• Belly injury or surgery
• High levels of fat particles (triglycerides) in the blood
• Very high levels of calcium in the blood
• Trauma to the pancreas
• Cigarette smoking

symptoms of pancreatitis?

• Severe belly pain that may spread to your back or chest (it may feel worse after you eat)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Fever
• Swelling and feeling sore or tender in your upper belly
• Fluid buildup in your belly

The treatment goal is to rest the pancreas and let it heal.

In most cases, you:

1. Will be in the hospital for a few days
2. Will be given IV (intravenous) fluids
3. Will be given pain medicine and medicines that fight bacterial infections (antibiotics)
4. If mild, you may be able to eat clear liquids or a low-fat diet. However, if severe, you may not be able to eat or drink for a few days to let your pancreas rest.