61. Diseases And Conditions -- Discovery Health -- Pancreatitis pancreatitis is an inflammation or an infection of the pancreas. It may be acuteor chronic. Acute pancreatitis means that symptoms develop suddenly. http://health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/1673.html

pancreatitis By Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS Images (click to view larger image) Pancreatitis is an inflammation or an infection of the pancreas. It may be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis means that symptoms develop suddenly. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing inflammation of the pancreas. What is going on in the body? The pancreas is a leaf-shaped gland that is located behind the stomach. It secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon. It also secretes sodium bicarbonate, which neutralizes the acid coming from the stomach. In pancreatitis, the pancreatic duct gets blocked, and the flow of pancreatic juices is impaired. These juices accumulate in the pancreas. They begin to digest the cells of the pancreas, and cause inflammation. The pancreas is then unable to provide the digestive enzymes and hormones needed for the rest of the body to function normally. What are the signs and symptoms of the disease? Symptoms of pancreatitis include: severe abdominal pain, usually in the upper mid-abdomen, possibly penetrating to the back abdominal swelling nausea and vomiting weight loss mild jaundice , or a yellow tint to the skin fever and chills excessive sweating clammy skin rapid heart beat shallow, rapid breathing

62. Nursing Spectrum- Career Fitness Online The Patient with pancreatitis Linda Valenti, RN. The goal of this programis to update nurses’ ability to care for patients with pancreatitis. http://nsweb.nursingspectrum.com/ce/ce110.htm

The Patient with Pancreatitis Linda Valenti, RN List two causes and two complications of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Describe the typical presentation of a patient with acute pancreatitis. Differentiate between the pain management of patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. The pancreas, positioned in the abdominal cavity behind the stomach and between the spleen and duodenum, is both an endocrine and exocrine gland. Alpha, beta, and delta cells, located in the islets of Langerhans on the surface of the pancreas, perform the endocrine function of this gland by secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones include: glucagon (from alpha cells), which elevates serum glucose; insulin (from beta cells), which controls metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; and somatostatin (from delta cells), which inhibits both glucagon and insulin secretions. The pancreas connects to the digestive system at the level of the duodenum via the ampulla of Vater, where the common bile duct meets the main pancreatic duct. This organ plays a major exocrine role in the digestion of food by secreting the enzymes necessary to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These enzymes combine with sodium bicarbonate to form pancreatic juice, which is secreted when chyme (partially digested food) is present in the duodenum.

63. Feline Pancreatitis FELINE pancreatitis. What is pancreatitis? The insulin. When the pancreasbecomes inflamed, the disorder is called pancreatitis. http://www.drpetra.com/Cats/Pancreatitis in Cats.htm

FELINE PANCREATITIS What is pancreatitis? The pancreas is a vital organ which is located in the right side of the abdomen. It has two functions: 1) to produce enzymes which help in digestion of food and, 2) to produce hormones, such as insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the disorder is called pancreatitis. It is a disease process that is seen commonly in the dog and occasionally in the cat. There is no age, sex, or breed predisposition. There are two main forms of acute (sudden onset) pancreatitis: 1) the mild, edematous form and, 2) the more severe, hemorrhagic form. A few cats that recover from an acute episode of pancreatitis may continue to have recurrent bouts of the acute disease. This is termed the chronic form. The associated inflammation allows digestive enzymes to spill into the abdominal cavity; this may result in secondary damage to surrounding organs, such as the liver, bile ducts, gall bladder, and intestines. What causes it? The cause of pancreatitis is not known. There may be more than one cause. In dogs, it is often associated with a rich, fatty meal or the administration of cortisone; however, these associations have not been found with feline pancreatitis. Under normal conditions, the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are activated when they reach the small intestine. In pancreatitis, the enzymes are activated prematurely in the pancreas instead of in the small intestine. This results in digestion of the pancreas itself and, thus, the clinical signs begin. The clinical signs of pancreatitis are often variable, and the intensity of the disease will depend on the extent of organ involvement.

64. Pancreatitis What Is Acute pancreatitis? An In about 15 percent of cases, the causeis unknown. What Are the Symptoms of Acute pancreatitis? Acute http://www.medhelp.org/NIHlib/GF-333.html

Introduction What Is Acute Pancreatitis? What Are the Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis? How Is Acute Pancreatitis Diagnosed? ... Additional Reading Introduction Your pancreas is a large gland behind your stomach and close to your duodenum. The pancreas secretes powerful digestive enzymes that enter the small intestine through a duct. These enzymes help you digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones play an important part in metabolizing sugar. Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Damage to the gland occurs when digestive enzymes are activated and begin attacking the pancreas. In severe cases, there may be bleeding into the gland, serious tissue damage, infection, and cysts. Enzymes and toxins may enter the bloodstream and seriously injure organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidney. There are two forms of pancreatitis. The acute form occurs suddenly and may be a severe, life-threatening illness with many complications. Usually, the patient recovers completely. If injury to the pancreas continues, such as when a patient persists in drinking alcohol, a chronic form of the disease may develop, bringing severe pain and reduced functioning of the pancreas that affects digestion and causes weight loss. What Is Acute Pancreatitis?

65. Pancreatitis - Treatment And Information pancreatitis infomation including alternative herbal and nutritional treatmentfor children, women, and men. pancreatitis. pancreatitis is serious problem. http://www.go-symmetry.com/health/pancreatitis.htm

FREE SHIPPING PRODUCTS Health Kits Herbal Women Children ... Weight loss INFO News About us Product Usage Serving the Internet since Pancreatitis Pancreatitis is serious problem. The name is a medical term for inflammation of the pancreas, which is an elongated organ about 4 - 6 inches in length in the upper abdomen, surrounded by the stomach and the small intestine. The pancreas has two main functions in the human body. It produces digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine, and it produces two hormones, insulin and glucagon, that are released into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels. Enzymes are delivered from the pancreas to the intestines by means of the same duct used to transport bile from the gallbladder. Pancreatitis can result if there is a gallstone blocking this passage. It can also be a result of damage to the pancreas from alcohol consumption . In either case, digestive enzymes become trapped in the pancreas and can actually begin to digest the tissues there, causing inflammation. Some enzymes may ooze out and find their way into the bloodstream and/or the abdominal cavity Symptoms of pancreatitis include upper abdominal pain and tenderness, back pain , nausea, vomiting, fever, and distention of the abdomen. Blood tests may show elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, and the red blood cell count may be affected as well. Pancreatitis may be complicated by

66. Pancreatitis Message Board pancreatitis Message Board. Thanks for using the pancreatitis Message Board PleaseVisit our user's home pages Maraleah's Chronic pancreatitis Page http://www.eboards4all.com/692933/

Welcome to the Pancreatitis Message Board. This board is for people who have, or are associated with someone who has pancreatitis; a safe haven to talk about pancreas problems and to offer support for each other through the daily stresses of living with a very painful chronic disease. Since this disease affect people of all over the world, any posts that include religious debate or promotion will be deleted. If you feel the need to discuss differences or similarities in your personal beliefs please do so privately off the board. Our mission is to help, not hurt. Please use appropriate language. Other rude remark and argumentative posts will be deleted as deamed by the Board of Director Members of this site. Time is set to EST at present. Important To Remember Most of what is stated here is from PERSONAL experiences. Any information given here about treatments or meds should "always" be discussed with your physician. Pancreatitis Message Board [Home] [Post] [FAQ] [Admin] Search For: Hair, nutrition, nails, etc... - Lorie Re:Hair, nutrition, nails, etc...

67. What Is Pancreatitis? - Endocrinology Health Guide pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. This guide covers its causes,symptoms, diagnosis and treatments. pancreatitis. pancreatitis Men Vs. Women. http://www.umm.edu/endocrin/pancreat.htm

Endocrinology Health Guide... Pituitary Gland Disorders... Pancreas... Pancreas Disorders ... Glossary Related Resources Within UMM Endocrinology Joslin Diabetes Center School of Medicine Endocrinology Site Endocrinology Health Guide Pancreatitis Pancreatitis: Men Vs. Women Women are one-and-a-half times more likely than men to have acute pancreatitis caused by gallstones. On the other hand, men are six times more likely than women to have acute pancreatitis caused by alcoholism. What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The inflammation may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). Acute pancreatitis usually involves a single "attack," after which the pancreas returns to normal. Severe acute pancreatitis can be life threatening. With chronic pancreatitis, permanent damage occurs to the pancreas and its function, often leading to fibrosis (scarring). What causes pancreatitis? The most common causes of pancreatitis are: gallstones that block the pancreatic duct alcohol abuse, which can lead to blockage of the small pancreatic ductules

68. Pancreatitis ? What Does Everyone Want To Know About Pancreatitis? Here's A Plac About pancreatitis What you and I might want to know. Recommended Referencesand Products. Earlier Blogs To NOV 10 2002 Latest books on pancreatitis http://www.health.xq23.com/diet_and_nutrition/Pancreatitis.html

About Pancreatitis : What you and I might want to know. Recommended References and Products. [see index for total category] Books: by Caroline D. Levin Acute Pancreatitis:: Novel Concepts in Biology and Therapy by Markus Buchler Chronic Pancreatitis: An Interdisciplinary Approach by N. Soehendra Chronic Pancreatitis: Research and Clinical Management by Springer-Verlag A Primer of Pancreatitis by Paul Georg Lankisch Standards in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis (European Surgical Research, Vol24, Supplement No 1) by M. Buchler Surgical Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis - New Standards (Journal - Digestive Surgery , Vol 13, No 2) by M.W. Buchler Pancreatic Enzymes in Health and Disease by Springer Verlag by Joan M. Braganza Chronic Pancreatitis (The Science and Culture Series, Medicine) by Eugene P. Dimagno Pancreatitis by Peter A. Banks Medical and surgical diseases of the pancreas by Igaku-Shoin Pancreatitis by Univ of Tokyo Pr Pathogenesis of Pancreatitis: Based on a Symposium Held on 15 November 1990 at the University of Manchester Under the Auspices of the Pancreatic Soc by Joan M. Braganza Acute Pancreatitis, Part I

69. Acute Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis pancreatitis. Book, Home Page. See Also Chronicpancreatitis. Causes See pancreatitis Causes. Symptoms Mid http://www.fpnotebook.com/GI148.htm

Home About Links Index ... Editor's Choice Paid Advertisement (click above). Please see the privacy statement Gastroenterology Pancreas Assorted Pages Acute Pancreatitis Chronic Pancreatitis Pancreatitis Causes Pancreatic Phlegmon ... Lipase Acute Pancreatitis Pancreatitis Book Home Page Cardiovascular Medicine Dental Dermatology Emergency Medicine Endocrinology Gastroenterology General Medicine Geriatric Medicine Gynecology Hematology and Oncology HIV Infectious Disease Jokes Laboratory Neonatology Nephrology Neurology Obstetrics Ophthalmology Orthopedics Otolaryngology Pediatrics Pharmacology Prevention Psychiatry Pulmonology Radiology Rheumatology Sports Medicine Surgery Urology Chapter Gastroenterology Index Bowel Cirrhosis Constipation Dermatology Diarrhea Esophagus Examination Gynecology Hematology and Oncology Hepatitis Inflammatory Bowel Disease Infectious Disease Laboratory General Malabsorption Neurology Neonatology Obstetrics Pancreas Pediatrics Pharmacology Prevention Procedure Psychiatry Peptic Ulcer Disease Radiology Rectum Rheumatology Stomach Surgery Symptom Evaluation Page Pancreas Index Pancreatitis Approach Acute Pancreatitis Approach Chronic Pancreatitis Causes Pancreatitis Complication Phlegmon Pancreatitis Complication Pseudocyst Pancreatitis Prognosis See Also Chronic Pancreatitis Causes See Pancreatitis Causes Symptoms Mid-epigastric pain Steady and boring pain Radiation to back Nausea or Vomiting Signs General Low grade fever Cardiopulmonary Exam Tachycardia Hypotension Hypoxemia (25%) Left basilar rales ( Pleural Effusion Abdominal Exam Abdominal tenderness and rigidity

70. Simple FactSheet: Pancreatitis What is pancreatitis? HIV drugs that can cause pancreatitis, symptoms,risk of experiencing pancreatitis, diagnosis, treatment. logo http://www.atdn.org/simple/panc.html

Pancreatitis a Simple FactSheet from the A IDS T reatment D ata N etwork Pancreatitis: The pancreas is a small organ located just behind the stomach. The pancreas produces insulin which helps the body process sugars in your body. Pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed or damaged. Symptoms: Symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting and a persistent (sometimes severe) pain in the stomach area that may go right through to your back. Drugs responsible: The most common cause of pancreatitis is the NRTI drug didanosine (ddI, Videx) . Less commonly, pancreatitis can also be a side effect of stavudine (d4T, Zerit) lamivudine (3TC, Epivir) has been associated with the development of pancreatitis in children. Risk of experiencing this side effect: intravenous pentamidine Diagnosis: Monitoring for pancreatitis involves blood tests to measure the levels of substances called amylase and lipase. Increased levels of amylase and lipase can warn of damage to the pancreas before symptoms appear. Your doctor can then confirm if there is damage by doing additional tests. Treatment: NRTI drugs should be stopped if pancreatitis is suspected. There is no specific treatment for pancreatitis, but hospitalization and supportive care may be needed in serious cases. If damage to the pancreas is permanent (a condition called chronic pancreatitis), changes in diet may be needed to prevent pancreatitis from happening again. Doctors recommend that Videx be permanently stopped if a diagnosis of pancreatitis is confirmed. Restarting Zerit after a case of pancreatitis should be done with caution.

71. Pancreatitis - The Health Authority Dear Mrs. Hsu As you are aware, I was released from the hospital with the diagnosisof pancreatitis/pseudocyst. I wanted to learn more about pancreatitis. http://www.hsu.com/pancreatitis.htm

Print This Page Shopping Cart HOME CONTACT ... This Month's Special Items CALL TOLL FREE 800-628-8420 Is there a simple answer to all of your health problems? Absolutely,Yes! Allergies Arthritis Asthma Bronchitis ... Yeast PANCREATITIS Dear Mrs. Hsu: As you are aware, I was released from the hospital with the diagnosis of pancreatitis/pseudocyst. The pseudocyst was five centimeters at the time I was discharged. The doctors gave me pain medication and enzymes to help digest the food I ate. Within a couple of days the pain started lessening. After the first week I began the whole Internal Cleansing Program. I also incorporated some of my own herbal products. When I was in my fifth week of cleansing, I had another cat scan done. The results were negative, the five centimeter pseudocyst was entirely gone. I am now in the sixth week of the cleanse and feel that I am still making progress. Thanks to you Mrs. Hsu and your staff, I am well on the road to recovery.

72. 1Up Health > Chronic Pancreatitis > Causes, Incidence, And Risk Factors Of Chron Comprehesive information on Chronic pancreatitis . 1Up Health Diseases Conditions Chronic pancreatitis Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors. http://www.1uphealth.com/health/chronic_pancreatitis_info.html

1Up Health Chronic pancreatitis Alternative Medicine Clinical Trials ... Health Topics A-Z Search 1Up Health Chronic pancreatitis Information Chronic pancreatitis Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors Definition : Chronic pancreatitis involves persistent inflammation of the pancreas an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach and secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors Chronic pancreatitis is most often caused by alcoholism and alcohol abuse , but sometimes the cause cannot be determined. Conditions such as hyperlipidemia or hyperparathyroidism , injury, and chronic obstruction of the pancreatic duct can also be associated with chronic pancreatitis. In this condition, inflammation and fibrosis cause the destruction of functioning glandular tissue in the pancreas. The resulting lack of pancreatic enzymes interferes with the ability to properly digest fat . The production of insulin is also affected, which can lead to diabetes This condition is marked by attacks of abdominal pain and digestive problems that may become more frequent as the condition progresses. Chronic pancreatitis occurs more frequently in men than in women, perhaps because alcohol use disorders are more common in men. Note: pancreatic cancer can cause symptoms and signs that are similar to those of chronic pancreatitis.

73. 1Up Health > Pancreatitis > Causes, Incidence, And Risk Factors Of Pancreatitis Comprehesive information on pancreatitis . 1Up Health Diseases Conditions pancreatitis Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors. http://www.1uphealth.com/health/pancreatitis_info.html

1Up Health Pancreatitis Alternative Medicine Clinical Trials ... Health Topics A-Z Search 1Up Health Pancreatitis Information Pancreatitis Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors Definition : An inflammation or infection of the pancreas an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach and secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors The various types of pancreatitis involve irritation, inflammation, and (or) infection of the pancreas. The disorders are differentiated according to whether symptoms develop suddenly or slowly. Specific types of pancreatitis are: Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation) Acute pancreatitis (inflammation) Pancreatic abscess (related to an infection) Previous Next Jump to Another Section of this Guide Definition Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors Symptoms Prevention Diagnosis, Signs, and Tests Treatment ... Calling your Health Care Provider Related Tools and Utilities Search Books on Amazon: Read Articles on eLibrary: Health Products on drugstore.com:

74. Pancreatitis Overview of pancreatitis and related lab tests amylase, lipase, sweatchloride, trypsin, trypsinogen. TESTS http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/pancreatitis.html

TESTS test not listed? ACTH AFB Culture AFP Maternal AFP Tumor Marker Albumin Aldosterone Allergies ALP ALT Amylase ANA Antibody Tests Apo A Apo B ApoE Genotyping AST Bilirubin Blood Culture Blood Gases BMP BNP Bone Markers BRCA BUN C-peptide CA-125 CA 15-3 CA 19-9 Calcium Cardiac Risk CBC CEA CF Gene Mutation Chlamydia Chloride Cholesterol CK CK-MB CMP Cortisol Creatinine Creatinine Clearance CRP CRP, high-sensitivity Cystatin C DHEAS Differential EGFR Electrolytes ESR Estrogen Estrogen Receptors Fecal Occult Blood Ferritin Flu Tests FSH Genotypic Resistance GFR GGT Glucose Gonorrhea Gram Stain Growth Hormone hCG HDL Hematocrit Hemoglobin Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Her-2/neu Herpes HIV Antibody Home Tests Homocysteine HPV H-pylori hs-CRP Insulin Iron Tests LD LDH LDL Lead LH Lipase Lipid Profile Liver Panel Lp(a) Lyme Disease Magnesium Microalbumin Mono Monoclonal Protein Myoglobin Pap Smear Phosphorus Platelets Potassium Prealbumin Progesterone Progest. Receptors Prolactin PSA PT PTH Red Count Renin Rheumatoid Factor Rubella Semen Analysis Serum Iron Sickle Cell Sodium Strep Throat Sweat Chloride Syphilis Tau/Aß42 TB Skin Test Testosterone Ther. Drug Monitoring

75. Acute Pancreatitis, Office Of Clinical Effectiveness, University Of Missouri Hea Acute pancreatitis. Summary of the problem. The Clinical Improvement Team. muhealth.org/~outcomes/pancreatitis/copjpanc.shtmlLast updated 7/9/01. http://www.muhealth.org/~outcomes/pancreatitis/copjpanc.shtml

OCE OCE Homepage Overview of the Office Project Selection Current Projects AMI Acute Pancreatitis CHF IUGR ... Additional Resources Acute Pancreatitis Summary of the problem The Clinical Improvement Team Interventions/Process improvements Project goals ... Online continuing medical education For additional information about this project please email Karen Cox or phone her at (573) 882-6987. muhealth.org/~outcomes/pancreatitis/copjpanc.shtml Last updated University of Missouri-Columbia, Disability resources, Statement of nondiscrimination

76. Pancreatitis MAIN SEARCH INDEX pancreatitis. Definition. pancreatitis is an inflammationof the pancreas, an organ that is important in digestion. http://www.hendrickhealth.org/healthy/001016.htm

MAIN SEARCH INDEX Pancreatitis Definition Description Causes and symptoms Diagnosis ... Resources Definition Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that is important in digestion. Pancreatitis can be acute (beginning suddenly, usually with the patient recovering fully) or chronic (progressing slowly with continued, permanent injury to the pancreas). Description Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed but improves. Patients recover fully from the disease, and in almost 90% of cases the symptoms disappear within about a week after treatment. The pancreas returns to its normal architecture and functioning after healing from the illness. After an attack of acute pancreatitis, tissue and cells of the pancreas return to normal. With chronic pancreatitis, damage to the pancreas occurs slowly over time. Symptoms may be persistent or sporadic, but the condition does not disappear and the pancreas is permanently impaired. Pancreatic tissue is damaged, and the tissue and cells function poorly. Causes and symptoms There are a number of causes of acute pancreatitis. The most common, however, are gallbladder disease and

77. About Pancreatitis, Info From The Pancreatitis Supporters' Network The pancreatitis Supporters' Network is an Association established to advance theeducation of the public in all matters involving the medical condition known http://www.naphosting.co.uk/psn/chap_p.html

network community pancreatitis treatments UK insurance archive downloads you are here: about pancreatitis home about pancreatitis What is Pancreatitis? is our overview of the subject. our Questions and Answers look in more detail at queries you might have about Pancreatitis We can provide general information about pancreatitis, and we can quote from current medical thinking on the subject. But please your doctor or medical specialist for specific advice. We offer counseling and support to our members who either have Pancreatitis or who are partners, spouses, friends, colleagues of someone with Pancreatitis. Initial telephone contact can be up to two hours and this is free to anyone. In our " treatments " section, you will find advice on pain relief and both conventional and alternative treatments that members have found useful.

78. Pancreatitis pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a glandular organ that produces severalenzymes to aid in the digestion of food, as well as the hormone insulin http://www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsConditions/Pancreatitiscc.html

Table of Contents Conditions Pancreatitis Also Listed As: Signs and Symptoms What Causes It? Who's Most At Risk? What to Expect at Your Provider's Office ... Supporting Research Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a glandular organ that produces several enzymes to aid in the digestion of food, as well as the hormone insulin, which controls the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach; a duct connects it to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Pancreatic enzymes and bile produced by the liver enter the duodenum at the same location. Pancreatitis may be either acute (sudden and severe) or chronic. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can cause bleeding and tissue death in or around the pancreas. In a single episode of acute pancreatitis, the gland usually heals without causing functional or structural changes, but in the case of recurring pancreatitis, long-term damage is common. In chronic pancreatitis, smoldering attacks result in a slow deterioration of the structure of the pancreas and loss of pancreatic function. Necrotizing pancreatitis (which involves death of pancreatic tissue) can lead to cyst-like pockets and abscesses. Because of the location of the pancreas, inflammation spreads easily. In severe cases, fluid containing toxins and enzymes leaks from the pancreas through the lining of the abdomen. This can damage blood vessels and lead to internal bleeding, which may be life threatening.

79. Pancreatitis Print this page pancreatitis may occur when gallstones are blocking the pancreaticduct. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it is called pancreatitis. http://www.gastromd.com/education/pancreatitis.html

Home Dr. Jensen Dr. Lozoff General Info ... Print this page Pancreatitis may occur when gallstones are blocking the pancreatic duct. The common bile duct and the pancreatic duct join at the Ampulla of Vater. At the Ampulla of Vater, both of these structures empty into the small bowel. Thus, if stones in the bile duct block the pancreatic duct, gallstone pancreatitis may result. The pancreas has two main functions in the body. The endocrine function reflects the secretion of hormones, primarily insulin, into the bloodstream. Insulin then controls glucose levels. The second function of the pancreas is called the exocrine function. The exocrine function is to aid in digestion. The pancreas secretes a combination of pancreatic enzymes and bicarbonate that are mixed with bile in order to digest food. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it is called pancreatitis. The enzymes that usually aid in digestion begin to digest the pancreas. Thus, as its own enzymes digest the pancreas, more enzymes are released into the pancreas. This continues to inflame the pancreas and causes complications of pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis may be related to alcohol, gallstones, medications or surgery. Chronic pancreatitis occurs after there have been repeated injuries to the pancreas. It is perplexing that approximately one-third of all causes of acute pancreatitis are due to unknown causes. Acute pancreatitis requires hospitalization in order to put the pancreas to rest. The patient is not allowed to eat or drink but is given intravenous fluids and analgesics to control the pain. By putting the pancreas to rest, further neurologic and endocrine stimulation of the pancreas is stopped and the pancreas has the ability to begin to repair itself and stop the inflammation and digestion.

80. Pancreatitis pancreatitis. Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas, oftenassociated with Gallstones; occurs when powerful enzymes secreted http://www.drlockie.com/disease/pancreat.htm

Pancreatitis Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas, often associated with Gallstones ; occurs when powerful enzymes secreted by pancreas, destined for the gut, leak into pancreatic tissue instead. Acute pancreatitis can be precipitated by blockage of the pancreatic duct by a gallstone, parathyroid problems, excessive amounts of food or alcohol, abdominal injury, or in rare cases Mumps ; symptoms come on 12-24 hours after excessive eating or drinking, with agonising pain in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back and chest, and vomiting; person may even go into Shock Appropriate action is and Aconite 30c every 15 minutes for up to 6 doses until help arrives. In hospital, painkillers will be given, and an intravenous drip to enable digestive system to rest; surgery to remove gall bladder may also be necessary. Chronic pancreatitis develops slowly, sometimes as a sequel to acute pancreatitis, causing dull upper abdominal pain, usually relieved by bending forwards; most sufferers are heavy drinkers or have gallstones. As enzyme and hormone manufacturing functions of pancreas deteriorate, chronic Indigestion , mild Jaundice , or Diabetes may set in. Orthodox treatment is to prescribe painkillers and replacement enzymes, or, in severe cases, to remove damaged part of pancreas.

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