PANCREATITIS

Acute abdominal conditions are serious and can be life threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. An example is Pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process occurring when digestive enzymes, instead of breaking down food in the small intestine, instead attack the pancreas itself. It may be acute (appearing suddenly) or chronic (persisting over many months or years). There may be many causes of pancreatitis, but the main causes are heavy alcohol use and a history of gallstones.

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include epigastric pain or right upper quadrant pain radiating into the back, nausea and vomiting, rapid pulse, swollen and tender abdomen and, in severe cases, dehydration and low blood pressure, internal bleeding and shock. Patients often have a history of previous gallstones or kidney stones, heavy alcohol use, and frequently recent surgery.

In the emergency room, about 80% of patients with acute pancreatitis respond to conservative treatment, including fluids, pain medication, and antibiotics. Some cases may also require parenteral nutrition and/or blood transfusions. If the patient does not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary.

If acute pancreatitis is not properly diagnosed and treated, death may occur.