PANCREATITIS

BACKGROUND

• The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and next to the small intestine.
• The pancreas does two main things.
• 1. It releases powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid the digestion of food
• 2. It releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.
• Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed.

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation that lasts for a short time. It may range from mild discomfort to a severe, life-threatening illness.
Most people with acute pancreatitis recover completely after getting the right treatment.
In severe cases, acute pancreatitis can result in bleeding into the gland, serious tissue damage, infection, and cyst formation.
Severe pancreatitis can also harm other vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas.It most often happens after an episode of acute pancreatitis. Heavy alcohol drinking is another big cause. Damage to the pancreas from heavy alcohol use may not cause symptoms for many years, but then the person may suddenly develop severe pancreatitis symptoms.

Untitled Slide