Pancreatitis – Symptoms and Complications

CHANDIGARH

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed.

The pancreas is a big gland located beneath the stomach and adjacent to the small intestine. The pancreas has two main functions:

• It helps you digest meals by releasing powerful digestive enzymes into your small intestine.

• Insulin and glucagon are released into the bloodstream. These hormones aid in the regulation of how your body uses food for energy.

• Acute pancreatitis is a short-term inflammation of the pancreas. It can be anything from a minor annoyance to a serious, life-threatening condition. After receiving therapy for acute pancreatitis, the majority of patients recover. Acute pancreatitis can result in bleeding, major tissue damage, infection, and cysts in severe cases. Other important organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys, might be harmed by severe pancreatitis.

• Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation of the pancreas. It usually occurs after an attack of acute pancreatitis. Another major factor is consuming large amounts of alcohol over a lengthy period of time. Damage to your pancreas caused by heavy alcohol consumption may not manifest for years, but then you may get severe pancreatitis symptoms.

• High fever

• Increased heart rate

• Vomiting and nausea

• Tender and swollen stomach

• Pain in the upper abdominal button that radiates into your back. Eating, particularly high-fat foods, may aggravate the condition.

Chronic pancreatitis has symptoms that are similar to acute pancreatitis. However, you might also have:

• Constant ache radiating from your top belly button to your back.

• Diarrhea and weight loss due to a lack of enzymes released by the pancreas to break down food

• Vomiting and an upset stomach

• Autoimmune conditions

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Illnesses

• Prescription drugs

• Metabolic imbalances

Pancreatitis can lead to serious problems, such as:

• Diabetes if the cells that create insulin are damaged.

• Pancreatitis (pancreatitis is an infection of the pancreas)

• Kidney disease

• Cancer of the pancreas

• Breathing problems caused by chemical changes in your body affecting your lungs

• Pseudocysts, which occur when fluid accumulates in pockets on the pancreas. They have the potential to explode and become contaminated.