Kims Hospitals

Pancreatitis could be Acute(short term) or chronic (long term or on-going) condition caused due to inflammation of the pancreas. The Pancreas secretes hormones and enzymes. The hormones regulate blood sugar levels while the enzymes break down fats and proteins.

SYMPTOMS:

Changes in the colour of the stool are the most significant condition of Pancreatitis. It determines the state of the disease.

Pancreatic Insufficiency, cancer and cystic fibrosis will result in pale yellow foul smelling greasy stool.
Intestinal bleeding due to Ulcers and tumours will result in bismuth maroon stools or black foul smelling stool
Lack of bile juices will result in clay coloured stool

PANCREATITIS IS OF TWO TYPES:

Acute Pancreatitis: It’s short term and can be addressed and healed with right judgement of the condition and the treatment there by.
Chronic Pancreatitis: When the acute pancreatitis condition recurs constantly it gives into a condition called chronic pancreatitis which will take few months to several years to clear.

CAUSES OF PANCREATITIS:

Medications
Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Abdominal surgery or Injury
Pancreatic Cancer
Cystic Fibrosis
Exposure to certain chemicals

ACUTE PANCREATITIS MAY INCLUDE

Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever with chills
Lazy and weak
Pain on the abdomen by a mere touch on it

CHRONIC PANCREATITIS WILL HAVE SYMPTOMS SUCH AS

Weight loss
Foul smelling stool
Abdominal pain

DIAGNOSIS:

Pancreatitis can be diagnosed with a series of tests-

Blood Tests: The blood tests enables in detecting the amylase or lipase levels which is the main symptom of pancreatitis. Apart from that the tests for anaemia, liver and kidney function test and the test for infections can help diagnose the onset of the disease.

Imaging Studies: A C.T. (Computed Tomography) Scan of the abdomen detects the level of inflammation in the pancreas, internal bleeding or pseudocyst, gall stones which happen to be the prime reason for Pancreatitis condition and changes in biliary system.

Ultrasound: It is yet another imaging that is considered safe as it does not emit any radiation.

Depending on the test results further diagnosis and treatment is planned. However the treatment that’s given immediately is to recover the patient from the pain, hence an intravenous painkiller is induced. To keep him from dehydration and hunger, liquids are administered.

If gall stone has been the reason for pancreatitis then it is surgically removed. Incase of the presence of the pseudocyst then the affected area is removed.

If consumption of alcohol is the reason for the condition staying away from alcohol will help. Enrolling in a rehabilitation program for this purpose can change you as well.

The chemical exposure or certain medications are prone to cause pancreatitis. Abstinence from those will significantly help you deal with the disease.

Pancreatic enzyme supplements are given to digest the nutrients smoothly and pain relief medicines to reduce the abdominal pain.

The treatment or surgical procedures for Pancreatitis irrespective of the severity or of the mildest nature is conducted by the finest of the Surgical Gastroenterologist in Hyderabad at the gastroenterology hospitals.