Pancreatitis Awareness : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

New Delhi resident Isha Bhatia, a 42-year-old homemaker, complained of severe abdominal pain that was radiating to the back. Her stomach was heaving with nausea and vomiting. When it first started, Isha brushed it off, thinking that probably something had gone wrong in her stomach and that she would soon be all right. But when the frequency and intensity of symptoms persisted, it forced her to seek medical intervention. A string of tests later, the diagnosis showed pancreatitis-that is, inflammation of the pancreas. Fortunately, timely medical intervention, lifestyle modification, and proper treatment stabilized her condition. 

Her story shines a light on the need to understand this condition, its causes, and the necessary measures for prevention and treatment.

What Is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis represents the inflammation of the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach that plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar level regulation. Pancreatitis may be acute or chronic and occurs for several reasons. Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and lasts for days, while chronic pancreatitis occurs over many years, usually due to repeated instances of acute pancreatitis. 

Research studies estimate that almost 2.6–7.9 cases per 100,000 people  of India are diagnosed with acute pancreatitis annually, while the figure is nearly identical in other regions of the world. An overview of the different aspects of pancreatitis can help the patient determine the symptoms to seek appropriate medical intervention. 

Pancreatitis Causes

Pancreatitis develops when the digestive enzymes are prematurely stimulated inside the pancreas, irritation of cells and inflammation occur as a result of the action of these particular enzymes. The common causes of pancreatitis include: 

Gallstones can obstruct the bile duct, prompting the backward flow of the digestive fluids into the pancreas. Alcohol Consumption: Heavy consumption of alcohol is assumed to be the main cause of chronic pancreatitis, it causes permanent damage to the pancreas. 

• Medications: Certain medications like corticosteroids, diuretics, and some antibiotics result in pancreatitis. 
• Genetic Disorders: Individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis, hereditary pancreatitis, and other disorders are at risk. 
• High Triglyceride Levels: A high content of fat in the blood can be a potential cause of acute pancreatitis. 
• Pancreatic Trauma or Surgery: Traumatic injuries and surgical operations may inflict injury on the pancreas. 

Pancreatitis Symptoms

It is very important to note that early diagnosis and hence potential treatment are facilitated by being informed about the various symptoms that come with pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be an acute condition. This means it appears suddenly and generally lasts a short time. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis: 

• Sharp pains in the abdomen extending to the back 
• Fever 
• Rapid heartbeat 

• Nausea and vomiting

• The abdomen is swollen and tender 

Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis:

• Chronic upper abdominal pain 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Oily, smelly stools
• Diabetes-pancreatic destruction of insulin-producing cells 

Pancreatitis Diagnosis 

Pancreatitis is usually diagnosed based on a combination of a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging studies. 

• Blood Tests: The pancreatitis is confirmed by the increased level of pancreatic enzymes, amylase, and lipase. 
• Imaging Studies: The pancreas and its abnormalities can be visualized by ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound: This test identifies gallstones or blockages. 
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography: It allows the taking of sharp images of the pancreas, bile ducts, and pancreatic duct. 

Pancreatitis Prevention

Preventing pancreatitis involves addressing the identified risk factors including: 

• Reduction of Alcohol Intake: This decreases or evades the incidence of alcohol pancreatitis.
• A healthy diet: A diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps lower your risk.
• Exercise regularly: An active lifestyle can help manage body weight and lower the risk of gallstones. 
• Control Triglyceride Levels: One can prevent acute pancreatitis through dietary or medication control of blood lipid levels. 
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking is among the risk factors for pancreatitis when combined with other risk factors. 

Also Read : Top 11 Foods to to keep Liver healthy

Pancreatitis Treatment

There are different kinds of treatments, depending on how bad your pancreatitis is. For acute pancreatitis, patients may be treated in the hospital. Pain management, the resolution of the underlying cause of the disorder, and the prevention of complications are major goals of treatment. 

• Fasting: Abstaining from food for a while rests the pancreas. 
• Pain Control: Pain is treated according to its severity and may be managed with medicines
• IV Fluids: These are administered to maintain the hydration of the patient and to aid in the recovery process. 
• Supplemental Enzymes: In chronic conditions, supplementation of pancreatic enzymes aids in digestion.
• Surgery: Removing blockages, gallstones, or injured pancreatic tissue. 
• Lifestyle Changes: The avoidance of alcohol, smoking cessation, and a low-fat diet improve outcomes. 

Medications That Cause Pancreatitis 

Certain medications can also precipitate pancreatitis in susceptible individuals. Common ones include:

• Diuretics: Used commonly for the treatment of high blood pressure. 
• Corticosteroids: These are used in a wide array of inflammatory diseases. 
• Azathioprine: This is an immunosuppressive agent used in transplant recipients and autoimmune disorders. 
• Valproic Acid: This is an anticonvulsant medication used in epilepsy and bipolar illness. 
• Antibiotics: Few antibiotics, like tetracyclines, have been associated with pancreatitis. 

Pancreatitis : When to See a Doctor?

Severe abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fever, requires immediate medical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid complications such as infection, respiratory problems, or renal failure. Follow up regularly with your healthcare professional for better chronic pancreatitis management. 

Pancreatitis :  Conclusion

Isha Bhatia’s story is a real testament to how excruciating pancreatitis can be in degrading the quality of one’s life. Its causes, symptoms, and treatments are very well understood. The key to a good outcome is early diagnosis, which often results from an improved awareness of the condition. Many people can reduce their chances of getting pancreatitis by understanding various preventive measures and holding on to a healthy lifestyle. 

References: 

1. Symptoms & Causes of Pancreatitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis/symptoms-causes. Accessed Aug. 26, 2024. 
2. Acute pancreatitis. National Health Service. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-pancreatitis/. Accessed Aug. 25, 2024.

4. Pancreatitis. Columbia University Department of Surgery[Internet]. https://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/pancreatitis. Accessed Aug. 30, 2024.
5. What to know about chronic pancreatitis. Medical News Today[Internet]. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160459. Accessed Aug. 25, 2024.