Acute Pancreatitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs quickly. The pancreas is a digestive organ behind the stomach which has two functions, namely:
- make enzymes that help digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates before they are absorbed by the intestines
- make the hormone insulin which controls the body and stores sugar (glucose)
This disease often attacks middle age and above. Most sufferers will improve within a week. However, some cases of this disease can give complications and be fatal. The mortality rate is almost 10%.
Defining the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is often not easy because this organ is difficult to access. Thus, treatment is often too late. Imaging this organ is also difficult and insufficient, so to see this organ clearly, you have to have direct surgery.
Symptom
The most common symptoms of inflammatory acute pancreatitis are:
- Pain in the middle of the stomach that radiates to the back (severe pain can be sudden or moderate pain at first and gets worse after eating especially fatty foods)
- Felt really sick
- Swollen and painful belly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Rapid pulse
- Jaundice or yellow skin and eyes
Reason
There are several known causes of inflammation of acute pancreatitis, namely:
- gallstones causing obstruction of the pancreatic duct (most common cause in women)
- high triglyceride levels
- drugs
- high calcium levels
- alcohol consumption (most common cause in men)
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis through the patient’s medical history as well as a physical examination and blood tests for pancreatic digestive enzymes, namely amylase or lipase.
In acute pancreatitis, there is a three-fold increase in the level of this enzyme. In some cases, pancreatic enzymes may be normal. Thus, other supporting examinations are needed such as a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound scan, or ERCP ( endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ).
The ERCP procedure uses a small, flexible tube that is inserted into the mouth into the stomach to spray a special dye. On X-ray examination, it can be seen whether there are gallstones that are blocking and where they are located. This procedure can also remove the gallstones.
Treatment
Treatment for acute pancreatitis aims to support the body in performing its functions until the inflammatory process stops. Patients with acute pancreatitis are usually hospitalized to be given fluids through an IV. In addition, it is also important to give anti-pain drugs through an IV because this disease is very painful. Nutritional support and oxygen are also given through a nasal tube.
It is important to treat the cause of acute pancreatitis. If caused by gallstones, removal of gallstones may have to be done. If caused by alcohol, after recovering alcohol should be completely avoided.
Prevention
Acute pancreatitis can be prevented by preventing the cause. You can prevent gallstones by consuming a healthy and balanced diet (lots of fruits and vegetables). The diet should contain whole grains such as whole wheat bread, oats and brown rice. These foods can lower cholesterol levels in the body.
Eating nuts such as peanuts and cashews can lower the risk of gallstones. Avoid foods high in fat and cholesterol (such as sausages, butter, cakes, and biscuits) and alcoholic beverages.