Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis refers to an acute attack in a previously healthy person and symptoms that resolve with the attack. Chronic pancreatitis usually refers to repeated attacks and continued symptoms of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Both forms are serious and can lead to complications. If you're seeing this message, that means JavaScript has been disabled on your browser, please enable JS to make this app work. Acute Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct.
ANSWER
People with acute pancreatitis are typically treated with IV fluids and pain medications in the hospital. In some the pancreatitis can be severe and they may need to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). In the ICU, the person is closely watched because pancreatitis can damage the heart, lungs, or kidneys.
Some cases of severe pancreatitis can result in death of pancreatic tissue. In these cases, surgery may be needed to remove the dead or damaged tissue.
An acute attack of pancreatitis caused by gallstones may require removal of the gallbladder or bile duct surgery.
Reviewed by Minesh Khatri on September 15, 2019
SOURCES:
Emedicine.
National Pancreas Foundation.
American Gastroenterological Association: 'Contrary to Popular Belief, Not All Cases of Chronic Pancreatitis are Alcohol- Induced.'
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: 'Pancreatitis.'
SOURCES:
Emedicine.
National Pancreas Foundation.
American Gastroenterological Association: 'Contrary to Popular Belief, Not All Cases of Chronic Pancreatitis are Alcohol- Induced.'
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: 'Pancreatitis.'
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