Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by various causes. In Western countries, alcohol is the most common culprit but can also be due to gallstones or hereditary conditions.
Four out of every five cases of acute pancreatitis will resolve on their own without causing further issues, but one in five is severe and could lead to life-threatening complications like organ failure. In the UK alone, approximately 1,000 people die from this condition annually.
Mild Acute Pancreatitis: This type of acute pancreatitis is the most common, and 4 out of 5 people will feel better within a week or less. In severe cases, symptoms may last longer and lead to other serious complications such as heart, lung or kidney failure.
Your doctor will likely perform blood tests to detect high levels of inflammatory markers. This helps them determine what caused the attack and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
You will likely be given painkillers to ease any discomfort. Oxygen may also be administered through a tube in your nose to get more oxygen into your bloodstream, and you need to drink lots of fluids in order to avoid dehydration which could make you feel sick.
It is essential that you take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Doing so will help keep your condition under control and help ward off further episodes of acute pancreatitis.
With time, your condition should improve and you won’t need to visit the hospital as often. Still, it is wise to visit your doctor regularly in order to monitor progress and ensure everything is in order.
Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding eating and drinking, especially avoiding fatty foods. It would also be beneficial to exercise moderately and refrain from smoking while you recover.
Acute pancreatitis can cause intense discomfort. You may feel a sharp, stabbing sensation that radiates from your stomach to the back of your abdomen; additionally, nausea may accompany this illness which is not always easy to manage.
If you’re experiencing vomiting, a nasogastric tube (a type of breathing tube) may be inserted into your nose or mouth to drain the contents of your stomach. This could remain in place for anywhere from one to two days if symptoms don’t subside.
Other treatments for acute pancreatitis include pain killers, a feeding tube and medicines to reduce swelling in your abdominal region. You should drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine which could aggravate your condition.
Your condition usually improves within a week or two, but it is best to see your doctor as soon as you experience symptoms in order to identify the source and receive an accurate diagnosis. Your condition will then be closely monitored in order to make sure all is well and no further issues arise.
If your condition is critical, you may require admission to a high-dependency unit or intensive care unit. These facilities are specially equipped to manage patients with severe acute pancreatitis and its related complications.