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---- CANCER FACT ----
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Pancreatitis 2
The pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen, produces enzymes and hormones. The enzymes are discharged through the pancreatic duct into the intestine, where they help digest food that has passed through the stomach. The hormones produced by the pancreas, including insulin and glucagons, are released into the blood and help regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas.Pancreatitis is a severe illness with several forms. The June 16, 2004, issue of JAMA includes an article about pancreatitis.
RISK FACTORS FOR PANCREATITIS
- Alcohol abuse
- Gallstones
- Abdominal trauma
- Major surgery
- Inherited diseases affecting the pancreas, including cystic fibrosis
- High blood levels of calcium (usually due to other medical problems)
- High blood levels of triglycerides (a particular type of fat in the blood)
ACUTE PANCREATITIS
Acute pancreatitis typically causes severe abdominal pain, often associated with nausea and vomiting. Because pancreatitis can be severe and life-threatening, antibiotics and hospital care may be required. In severe cases of acute pancreatitis, shock may occur, requiring intensive care and supportive therapy.
GALLSTONE PANCREATITIS
Gallstone pancreatitis is caused by irritation of the pancreas by gallstones in the pancreatic duct. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin may occur with this type of pancreatitis. Cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder is necessary to prevent gallstone pancreatitis from occurring again. Because acute gallstone pancreatitis may be a severe illness, several days of supportive care (which may include antibiotics and intravenous fluids in the hospital) may be required before a person is ready to have the gallbladder removed.
CHRONIC PANCREATITIS
Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation and scarring of the pancreas that occurs over a long period. Heavy alcohol use is a common cause. Persons with chronic pancreatitis may have abdominal pain that is either constant or episodic (comes and goes). Scarring lack of insulin leading to diabetes. Persons who have acute or chronic pancreatitis may develop a complication called a pseudocyst. This is a fluid collection in or around the pancreas. It may push on or cause pressure on other abdominal organs, crating other symptoms. These pseudocysts can also become infected, causing serious illness.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
INFORM YOURSELF
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish.
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