Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation that starts suddenly in an organ called the pancreas, which has functions such as digestion and hormone secretion. The pancreas has two main functions: digestion and hormone secretion. The digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas are normally in the form of pre-enzymes in the pancreas and its duct. These digestive enzymes are enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats and help them shrink to be absorbed. However, these enzymes become active only when they are poured into the intestine. The main problem in pancreatitis is that these enzymes become active in the pancreas and destroy our cells.

Causes of Acute Pancreatitis

Gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption are the two main causes of pancreatitis in 80% to 90% of acute pancreatitis cases. Pancreatitis may occur as a result of long-term alcohol use for at least five to seven years. The majority of chronic pancreatitis disease is caused by alcohol dependence. Pancreatitis due to gallstones can be seen frequently in women aged 50 and over. 10% or 20% of pancreatitis cases are caused by various causes such as:

• Exposure to certain chemicals
• Hereditary disease
• Some Medicines
• Pancreas or bowel abnormalities
• High fat levels in the blood

What are the Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?

• The most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain.
• Pain comes on suddenly and increases gradually. It is usually very severe.
• Pain usually occurs in the upper and left parts of the abdomen.
• Pain usually lasts for a few days People with acute pancreatitis often feel weak and generally ill. Some of these are those.
• Nausea
• Fewer
• Abdominal swelling
• Fast heartbeat
• Weakness and feeling of tiredness
• Dizziness and fainting
• Agitation
• Concentration difficulty
• Headache

Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis

As a result of the symptoms of acute pancreatitis, some tests are applied for the diagnosis and diagnosis of pancreatitis after obtaining information about the person’s lifestyle and habits and medical history.

Ultrasonography: It is a very good imaging test for examining the ducts of the gallbladder, small intestine, liver and pancreas.

COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY: It is the most used method in the definitive diagnosis of the disease, in the evaluation of the pancreas and in determining the severity of the disease.

MR.+MRCP: MR is a valuable method in evaluating the severity and course of the disease in the evaluation of the pancreas.

What is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Chronic Pancreatitis is a long-term inflammatory disease in which the disease persists and does not heal. In this disease, the existing pancreatic tissue is greatly reduced by continuous attacks over the years. Since the pancreas cannot produce and secrete enough enzymes, fatty stools due to digestive enzyme deficiency, diarrhea, stool containing undigested food, weight loss and diabetes are common.

It occurs due to reasons such as excessive alcohol use, hereditary or unknown pancreatitis and trauma, obstruction of the pancreatic duct due to pseudocyst.

Ultrasound, computed tomography . It can be diagnosed with imaging tests such as MR+MRCP or Endoscopic ultrasonography.

How Is Chronic Pancreatitis Treated?

The first step in starting the treatment of chronic pancreatitis is the cessation of pain. Afterwards, a diet rich in starch and free of fat is prepared for the patient. If enough pancreatic enzymes are not secreted, it can be given externally as a supplement. In the patient with pancreatic duct stones, the stones can be removed by ERCP or a stent can be placed.  If no improvement can be noted with these measures, surgery is performed and the pancreatic duct is emptied into the intestine and the problematic part of the pancreas is removed.