Inflammatory disease of the pancreas
Inflammatory Disease of the Pancreas
The pancreas is a vital organ located in the abdomen. It has many important functions, one of which is producing enzymes to help with digestion. It can also become affected by a number of diseases, including inflammatory diseases.
Inflammatory diseases of the pancreas can be acute or chronic. These conditions can involve inflammation of the pancreas itself, or of the surrounding tissue. Inflammation is typically caused by an infection, such as a virus or bacteria, although this is not always the case.
Acute inflammatory disease of the pancreas can be severe and can lead to pancreatitis, a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and damage to the organ starts to occur. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis can include abdominal pain, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, high fever, and yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Chronic inflammatory disease of the pancreas tends to be less severe but can still cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms can include abdominal and back pain, bloating, proteinuria (presence of protein in urine), weight loss, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
Complications of inflammatory disease of the pancreas can include the progression of pancreatitis, scarring of the pancreas, diabetes, malnutrition, and kidney damage. Treatment for these conditions will depend on the underlying cause and can range from antibiotics to surgery.
Risk Factors for Inflammatory Disease of the Pancreas
There are several risk factors that may increase the chance of developing an inflammatory disease of the pancreas:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- A history of gallstones
- A history of other pancreatic diseases
- Certain medications, such as steroids and anti-inflammatory medications
- Infections with certain viruses, such as the mumps virus
- Certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Disease of the Pancreas
To diagnose an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, your doctor will likely order a variety of tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests (such as an ultrasound or MRI), and/or biopsies. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause and can range from antibiotics to surgery.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and stick to the treatment plan to help prevent any further complications from occurring.