|
|
Acute Pancreatitis
DefinitionAcute pancreatitis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of extra immune cells) of the pancreas. The pancreas is an elongated, tapered gland, located behind the stomach, that secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The chief causes of acute pancreatitis in adults are gallstones, other gallbladder (biliary) disease, and alcohol use. Viral infection (mumps, coxsackie B, mycoplasma pneumonia, and campylobacter), traumatic injury, pancreatic or common bile duct surgical procedures and certain medications (especially estrogens, corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, and azathioprine) are other causes.
The mechanism that causes pancreatitis is not well known. It is thought that enzymes normally secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form become activated inside the pancreas and start to digest the pancreatic tissue. This process is called autodigestion and causes swelling, hemorrhage, and damage to the blood vessels. An attack may last for 48 hours.
The disease affects men more often than women. Alcohol abuse is an important risk factor.
In children, this disorder may be associated with:
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Acute Pancreatitis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms & Signs
• Acute Pancreatitis Prevention
• Acute Pancreatitis Diagnosis & Tests
• Acute Pancreatitis Treatment
• Acute Pancreatitis Prognosis
• Acute Pancreatitis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abscess
• Acute Kidney Failure
• ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
• Ascites
• Cholelithiasis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Heart Failure
• Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
• Intestinal Obstruction
• Kawasaki Disease
• Mumps
• Mycoplasma Pneumonia
• Pancreatitis
• Reye's Syndrome
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal CT Scan
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Amylase - Urine
• Amylase Test
• AST
• Calcium - Ionized
• CBC
• CEA
• Fecal Fat
• Glucagon
• Glucose Test
• LDH
• LDH Isoenzymes
• Lipase Test
• Pulse
• Serum Calcium
• Serum Magnesium - Test
• Trypsinogen
• WBC Count
Other Topics
• Abdomen - Swollen
• Abdominal Pain
• Alcohol Use
• Bile
• Blood Pressure - Low
• Chronic
• Cysts
• Endoscope
• Fat
• Fever
• Gas/Flatus - Excessive
• Hemorrhagic
• Hiccups
• Immunizations - General Overview
• Indigestion
• Intravenous
• Jaundice - Yellow Skin
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Pain Medications
• Rashes
• Stress and Anxiety
• Swelling
Review Date : 4/25/2002
Reviewed By : Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
