Term:
Acute pancreatitis
Description:
An inflammation of the pancreas, an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.
Symptoms:
abdominal pain that is greatest in the upper abdomen (upper right quadrant or upper middle of the abdomen) nausea
vomiting
weakness
sweating
anxiety
fever
skin, clammy
mild jaundice abdomen, swollen
abdominal fullness, gaseous
abdominal indigestion
bruising or bleeding into the skin
chest pain under the breastbone
flank pain
gas/flatus, excessive
hiccups
skin rash or lesion
stools, clay colored
Treatment:
Treatment is aimed at supportive measures such as fluid replacement by intravenous (IV) infusion, pain relief by analgesics, and withholding food or fluid by mouth to restrict pancreatic activity that makes symptoms worse. Occasionally nasogastric suctioning may be required if there is persistent vomiting, severe pain, or a paralytic ileus develops.
*You should always seek a professional physician's
advice before trying to administer any type of treatment.
Picture:
No picture available.
Please contact our Physician Referral Service
at (702) 383-1904.
* All material provided in the UMC website,
or it's related web pages, is provided for educational purposes
only. Consult your own physician, or visit a UMC Primary
Care, regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations
with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.
