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Acute pancreatitis is a medical condition, in which a sudden pancreas inflammation, that can be mild or severe, even life threatening occurs. Injury to the pancreas can allow enzymes to ooze out and enter the abdominal cavity or bloodstream, where they result in peritonitis (lining cavity inflammation) or irritation. About 80% of episodes of acute pancreatitis is caused by alcoholism or gallstones. The symptoms of acute pancreatitis include severe, abdominal pain in the upper person’s midabdomen, below the sternum (breastbone). Such pain usually penetrates to the back. Commonly begging abruptly, the aching is severe and steady, and persists for days. Frequently, even injected narcotics are given in large doses and do not subside pain completely. Deep breathing, vigorous movement and coughing can make pain worse; while leaning forward and sitting upright can provide some relief. Most individuals with acute pancreatitis attacks feel nauseated and have to vomit without producing any vomit. Most people with acute pancreatitis caused by alcoholism, can never progress any symptoms except the moderate pain. Other people with acute pancreatitis feel terrible. They look sweaty and sick, have shallow and fast pulse, 100 to 140 beats a minute), and rapid breathing. Blood pressure can be low or high but tends to fall, when the individual stands, resulting in faintness. In some cases, the sclera (eye whites) becomes yellowish. In necrotizing pancreatitis, blood pressure can fall, possibly resulting in shock. No blood test provides an acute pancreatitis diagnosis, but specific tests are corroborating the acute pancreatitis (necrotizing pancreatitis), frequently has lesser amounts of blood cells than normal, because of bleeding into the abdomen and pancreas. In necrotizing pancreatitis, a CT scan may help determine prognosis. Ultrasound scans can reveal gallbladder gallstones and also can show pancreas swelling. Standard abdomen x-ray can detect dilated intestine loops or very rare 1 or more gallstones. Computed tomography (CT) scan may be used to detect pancreas size changes. A CT scan helps a physician diagnose acute pancreatitis, because the images are very clear. Most individuals, who have acute pancreatitis, should be hospitalized. An individual, who has mild acute panreatitis, should avoid all water and food because drinking and eating stimulate the pancreas to form more enzymes. Nutrients and fluids are given intravenously. A tube is placed through a patient’s nose and into the stomach to remove air and fluids, especially if vomiting and nausea occur. An individual with necrotizing pancreatitis is sent to an intensive care department, where blood pressure, breath rating, and pulse are monitored closely. The urine output is repeatedly measured. Blood sample is drown to measure enzyme number in blood, white blood cell number, electrolyte, and glucose levels. The patient is fed intravenously at least for 2 weeks, sometimes more. Oxygen is given through a nasal tube or fall mask to increase the bloodstream amount. Severe ache is treated with Meperidine. A surgery can be performed to alleviate pancreatitis, caused by injury. If a patient’s condition is not improved after one week, a surgery may be done to remove nonfunctioning, infected pancreatic tissues. If acute pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, it may be treated by surgery or endoscopy. The operation consists of gallbladder removal and clearing out the duct. [Source: Merck Manual of Health Information, Home Edition]
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