Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas plays a critical role in proper intestinal functioning as it is the origin of many important digestive enzymes. In addition, the pancreas also helps the body regulate the important hormones insulin and glucagon. Pancreatitis begins when the pancreas is unable to expel the digestive enzymes it makes and the organ literally begins to “self-digest”. If treatment is not pursued, permanent scarring of the pancreas can occur resulting in reduced organ functioning. There are two forms of the condition, one acute the other chronic. Patients suffering from acute pancreatitis normally experience severe pain in the upper abdomen. This pain is frequently accompanied by nausea, fever, or an elevated heart rate.

Patients will normally present with elevated lipase and amylase levels which are typically 3 times the normal range or higher. The utility of measuring blood amylase and lipase levels, is well establish as an important diagnostic tool.

In the United States approximately 80,000 persons a year suffer from the condition. Of those, about one fifth are severe. Pancreatitis affects most patients in the third decade of life, and alcohol abuse stands as the most common cause. The second leading cause of the condition is the development of gallstones. This condition is often successfully treated by surgical means. Pancreatitis in children is rare but can result from severe abdominal trauma.

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