Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas which is highly prevalent in India. In nearly 40 to 70 percent of the cases, it is a result of gallstones. The problem is more common in elderly people and has been closely linked with heavy drinking and excessive smoking. While some people suffering from it may experience very mild symptoms others may develop life-threatening complications. Hence, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as you start experiencing the symptoms. You can find the top general surgeons in Gurgaon, who specialize in treating the most complex cases of pancreatitis. The pancreas is a tiny organ that is present near the small intestine. It is responsible for the production of various digestive enzymes including insulin which is extremely important for metabolism including insulin which is extremely important for the absorption of glucose. Pancreatitis is usually caused by gallstones, excessive drinking, reaction to certain drugs and medicines, undergoing abdominal surgery, severe infection, trauma to the abdomen, or underline conditions like cystic fibrosis.
Getting familiar with the types of Pancreatitis:
Based on the onset of the symptoms and their progression, pancreatitis is broadly classified into two different types - acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis, as the name suggests, has a sudden or abrupt onset. There is no prior warning and you just start experiencing the symptoms out of the blue. Fortunately, acute pancreatitis can be cured with proper medical care. It may take a couple of days for the information to go down and the patient will be required to stay at the hospital for some time. This form of pancreatitis is more common in adults, as compared to children. In extreme cases, acute pancreatitis can progress into chronic pancreatitis. The risks of this happening are significantly high in people who drink or smoke excessively. Acute pancreatitis can further develop into necrotizing pancreatitis, which is marked by cellular death. Nearly 10 percent of the patients with acute pancreatitis tend to develop it.
Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is not abrupt, but rather progresses over the span of several weeks or months. The patient may not experience any symptoms initially and these develop gradually. This is the reason why it is often diagnosed at a later stage. Unlike acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis can lead to permanent damage and has been associated with many severe complications. It can trigger the development of scar tissues, which further triggers inflammation.
Watch out for these symptoms of Pancreatitis
The classic symptom of pancreatitis is a pain in the upper abdomen, especially on the middle left side.
● Acute pancreatitis is characterized by symptoms like:
● Acute pain in the upper abdomen
● Pain that radiates towards the back
● Persistent pain for weeks at a stretch
● Feeling nauseated
● Vomiting
● Malaise or a general feeling of being unwell
● Swelling or tenderness in the abdomen
● Increased heart rate
As far as the patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis are concerned, they may experience symptoms like:
● Upper abdominal pain
● Pain that aggravates after eating
● Diarrhoea
● Feeling nauseated
● Unintended weight loss
● Vomiting, especially after meals.
If you experience any of the symptoms, consult the top general surgeons in Gurgaon to get yourself evaluated at the earliest. These do not necessarily mean that you have pancreatitis and the results can only be confirmed by a proper diagnosis carried out by an expert. Proper treatment in management is very important in patients suffering from pancreatitis because the condition can progress and lead to serious complications. Although these are quite rare, we cannot completely overlook them. Common complications associated with pancreatitis include pancreatic cancer, malnutrition, diabetes, and serious pancreatic infections.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Shaw, Head of the Department and Senior Consultant
GI, General, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery
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