Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. As this eMedTV article explains, it comes in two forms: acute and chronic. This portion of the Web site provides detailed information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly, lasts for a short period of time, and usually gets better. This eMedTV article provides an in-depth look at acute pancreatitis by discussing the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition.
Chronic pancreatitis is a disorder involving digestive enzymes that attack and destroy the pancreas. As this eMedTV article explains, this can lead to pain and scarring. This page describes the causes, symptoms, and treatment of chronic pancreatitis.
Gallstones and alcoholism are the two most common causes of pancreatitis. This section of the eMedTV library discusses these and other pancreatitis causes, such as trauma to the pancreas, hereditary conditions, and viral infections.
Symptoms of pancreatitis often begin with upper abdominal pain and range from rapid pulse to loss of life. This eMedTV segment explains how symptoms of pancreatitis vary depending on which type of the condition (acute or chronic) a person has.
To diagnose pancreatitis, the doctor will perform a physical exam and order certain tests. This eMedTV Web page describes how blood, imaging, and urine tests are used to make a pancreatitis diagnosis.
Pancreatitis treatment includes medication, surgery, and diet and lifestyle changes. This eMedTV segment describes each of these options in detail and explains that without certain complications, acute pancreatitis usually goes away on its own.
Pancreatic enzymes help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food. This section of the eMedTV library explains how pancreatic enzymes aid in digestion of meals in people who have cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis.
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