The pancreas is a flat, non-encapsulated gland located behind the stomach (retroperitoneal). It functions by producing enzymes and digestive juices needed for breaking down food in the small intestines and it also produce hormones called insulin and glucagon that control levels of blood sugar. These secretions of the pancreas coming from the cells are brought to the ducts which leads to the main pancreatic duct. The common bile duct joins the main pancreatic duct and then empty into the duodenal part of the small intestines. One of the common causes of pancreatitis is the presence of gallstones that obstruct the flow of pancreatic secretions that should empty into the small intestines. Obstruction causes these secretions to attack the gland itself thus causing inflammation. Another common cause is chronic use of alcohol which causes the pancreatic enzymes to be secreted earlier than normal accompanied by leakage of pancreatic secretions into the glandular tissue and cause damage and inflammation. Other causes of pancreatitis include increased triglyceride and calcium levels in the blood, pancreatic abnormalities, trauma, infections, and certain medications. All these lead to damage and inflammation of the pancreas. Healing without functional impairment is known as acute pancreatitis. If the problem becomes recurrent this is now known as chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis often leads to poor absorption of fats producing oily malodorous stools. There is also damage of the pancreatic cells which normally secretes insulin. This now leads to improper metabolization of blood sugar which contributes to diabetes. The most common symptom of pancreatitis is epigastric pain often radiating to the back. This is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and fever. If the condition is severe there can be low blood pressure because of internal bleeding and which may lead to shock. A patient in this condition needs to be hospitalized and hooked in IV fluid. Nothing should be given per orem for several days and the pain should be controlled. |
