The pancreas is responsible for regulating the digestion of food and how our bodies translate food into energy. When it becomes inflamed, the consequences can be gravely serious. Thankfully there are ways to identify and treat the condition before it becomes life threatening. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and risk factors of pancreatitis, and also offer some tips for identifying and treating the condition.

What is Pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a gland near the stomach that helps the body digest food and regulates how the body uses food for energy. It does this through the release of digestive enzymes, and the hormones insulin and glucagon.

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the digestive enzymes are activated before they leave the pancreas. This results in the enzymes attacking and inflaming the pancreas. There are two types of pancreatitis as well: acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a quick and short-lived inflammation, while chronic pancreatitis recurs regularly over time. Both types can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Pancreatitis is most often caused by gallstones and/or heavy alcohol use. Other conditions, medications, and traumas can also be risk factors. Symptoms of pancreatitis can include any of the following:

• Feelings of nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the abdomen or back
• Increase in heart rate
• Unexplained weight loss

If left untreated pancreatitis can cause tissue damage, infection, damage to other essential organs like the lungs and heart, and death. Needless to say, it is essential that pancreatitis is caught and treated as soon as possible.

Pancreatitis Surgery

In some cases, acute pancreatitis can be treated effectively with medications and IV fluids. When it comes to severe cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis, surgery to remove the damaged tissue is often necessary. This is a serious surgery, so make sure you have a general surgeon who has a good reputation and track record of success in treating pancreatitis.