Acute pancreatitis: Symptoms, treatments and prevention

Acute pancreatitis is a very serious disease not only in Vietnam but also in many countries around the world.

What is acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is inflammation (swelling) in the pancreas and usually occurs suddenly. The pancreas produces a substance called pancreatic fluid (containing digestive enzymes) and hormones including insulin for the body to regulate glucose. The continuous damage of the pancreas can lead to chronic condition.

Acute pancreatitis can be fatal with many complications. However, the disease is not contagious.

About 50,000 to 80,000 cases of acute pancreatitis occur every year in the United States. About 20% of cases are in severe form. In every severe case, shock and death may occur.

Acute pancreatitis is inflammation (swelling) in the pancreas and usually occurs suddenly.

Who often suffers from acute pancreatitis?

Persons who often suffer from acute pancreatitis may be:

1. Alcoholics
2. People with gallstones
3. Abdominal surgery patients
4. Smoking addicts
5. People with a family history have had pancreatitis
6. People with high blood calcium levels
7. Pancreatic cancer patients

Symptoms and signs of acute pancreatitis

The first symptom is upper abdominal pain that can last for several days and is often severe. Pain can spread to the chest and back. The pain may be sudden, severe and mild, and may be more painful when eating. A mild abdominal aneurysm may appear. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever and fast pulse.

Acute pancreatitis may be fatal.

There may be other symptoms and signs not mentioned. If you have any questions about the signs of illness, consult your doctor.

You need to see a doctor when you see the above symptoms or signs. Or you have persistent abdominal pain, severe pain and other unpleasant symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Causes of acute pancreatitis

Some causes that can cause acute pancreatitis include:

1. The most common is due to gallstones and alcohol consumption
2. Side effects of prescription medications
3. Having had abdominal surgery
4. Abnormalities in the intestine and pancreas
5. Rare infection (like mumps)
6. Scarring or scar formation in the pancreas, cancer, and pancreatic infection
7. Sometimes in some cases, the cause of the disease is unknown

Risk of acute pancreatitis

Factors that may increase the risk of acute myelitis include:

1. Smoking a lot
2. Alcohol abuse: People who regularly drink too much alcohol are more likely to get sick
3. Family history: In the family, some people had pancreatitis
4. High blood fat levels
5. Some other conditions, such as gallstones or cystic fibrosis
6. Structural problems of the pancreas or bile duct, especially in cases where the pancreas is split and has two main bile ducts
7. Use of drugs, including estrogen therapy and some antibiotics

Alcohol abuse is highly likely to have acute pancreatitis.

Treatment for acute pancreatitis

Treatment is often supportive and conducted at the hospital. Your doctor may perform an infusion that increases blood volume and replaces electrolytes such as potassium or calcium. If the patient is unable to control vomiting, a tube is temporarily placed from the nose to the stomach to drain fluid and air.

Patients with mild pancreatitis may not be able to eat for 3-4 days but will be given fluids and treated with analgesics. People with severe pancreatitis may have a longer infusion. Surgery will need to be done with signs of infection, cyst or hemorrhage. Pain from gallstones can be treated by removing the gallbladder or biliary duct surgery when the inflammation is relieved.

Lifestyle and living habits help limit acute pancreatitis

1. Stop drinking alcohol.
2. Quit smoking (if you smoke)
3. Choose a low-fat diet: eat a limited fat diet and supplement fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein.
4. Drink plenty of water: pancreatitis can cause dehydration, so you should drink plenty of water (at least 2 liters / day).

Should see a doctor if you have abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or have problems with alcohol, jaundice and eyes, fever (more than 38 ⁰ C), weight loss, muscle cramps or epilepsy when quitting alcohol .