Pancreatitis may be a lesser-known condition, but when it occurs, it can significantly impact the body's metabolism.
The pancreas is a digestive system organ located in the mid-to-upper right abdomen. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it causes pancreatitis. Based on the duration and course of the disease, it can be divided into acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis occurs when symptoms progress slowly and over a long period of time, even years. Acute pancreatitis, on the other hand, tends to have more severe symptoms and a more rapid course, including progression.
Functions of the pancreas
The pancreas plays a crucial role in the body's metabolism by producing digestive enzymes and hormones. The enzymes produced by the pancreas include lipase, amylase, and protease, which digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. The hormones produced by the pancreas are insulin and glucagon, which play a vital role in blood sugar metabolism. Insulin helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing its absorption into cells.
Glucagon works when the body needs blood sugar by breaking down glycogen in the liver. Therefore, the pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and energy metabolism.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis
A common symptom of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain. Depending on the location of the organ, acute pancreatitis can cause pain in the upper middle abdomen. The pain can radiate to the back and feel sharp or stabbing. The pain can come on suddenly. It can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and bloating. In cases caused by infection, fever may also be present. Disturbances in blood sugar levels can also be found in acute pancreatitis.
Causes of acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis can be caused by many things. Let's discuss them further.
Gallstones
One cause is gallstones. A duct connects the pancreas to the bile duct. When gallstones form, they can block the pancreatic duct, leading to acute pancreatitis.
Infection
Pancreatitis can be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. The infection can occur directly and affect the pancreas, but it can also be a complication or spread from infections in other organs, such as hepatitis or mumps.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol metabolism generally occurs in the liver, but the pancreas also plays a role, albeit indirectly. Therefore, long-term, heavy alcohol consumption can lead to pancreatitis.
Consumption of certain medications
Taking certain medications can cause side effects such as pancreatitis. Examples include antibiotics, antihypertensives, and anticonvulsants. In this situation, doctors will usually prescribe alternative medications. Furthermore, symptoms usually improve when the medication is discontinued.
Trauma
If you have a history of accidents or impacts to the abdominal area, especially in the area where the pancreas is located, it can cause inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in acute pancreatitis.
Treatment
Therapy and management of acute pancreatitis are greatly influenced by the underlying cause and the symptoms experienced. Pain relievers can be given to manage abdominal pain. Antiemetics can be given to treat nausea and vomiting. For infections, medications can be prescribed based on the cause. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are recommended, and for parasitic infections, antiparasitic agents. If gallstones are the cause, surgery may be necessary.
If the condition is caused by alcohol or medication consumption, it's best to reduce consumption or dosage and, if possible, discontinue treatment to prevent complications such as pancreatitis. If it's caused by trauma, further evaluation is necessary to address the inflammation and, if necessary, surgery may be necessary if there's bleeding in the abdominal cavity or excessive enzyme leakage.
Additionally, pancreatic rest can usually be performed by fasting for several days and providing nutrition through an IV or IV drip. It is crucial to consult with an internist for appropriate treatment and therapy. Written by Dr. Valda Garcia. Reviewed by Dr. Ernest Eugene.
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