Acute pancreatitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. It affects roughly 70,000 people annually in the United States and can be deadly if left untreated.
Acute pancreatitis is caused by the digestion of abnormally high levels of fat, leading to the damage or destruction of the pancreas. It can be triggered by gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, or a more serious underlying illness.
In patients with acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed and begins to release digestive enzymes into the abdominal cavity, which can cause severe abdominal pain.
In some cases, the infection can spread through the body, leading to sepsis and potentially death.
Abdominal bloating, fever, changes in blood sugar levels, and vomiting are the hallmarks of acute pancreatitis.
Diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is usually made through physical examination and laboratory tests.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the most common medical procedure to diagnose the condition.
Treatment for acute pancreatitis typically involves hospitalization and administering pain medications, followed by dietary modifications and lifestyle changes.
In severe cases, the patient may need surgery to remove the gallbladder or blockages from the bile ducts.
Prognosis for acute pancreatitis largely depends on the severity of the condition, but with proper treatment and follow-up, patients can fully recover.
Complications of acute pancreatitis can include pancreas failure, infections, bleeding, and pseudocysts (collections of fluid and enzymes).
