Pancreatitis Specialist

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of your pancreas. Your pancreas is a flat gland located behind your stomach in the upper abdominal area. It produces digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate your body’s glucose (sugar) metabolism. 

Acute pancreatitis appears suddenly and often lasts for several days, while chronic pancreatitis is ongoing and can linger for many years. When left untreated, some cases of pancreatitis lead to life-threatening problems. 

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

Common symptoms caused by pancreatitis include:

• Radiating abdominal pain
• Upper abdominal pain
• Rapid pulse
• Fevere
• Voming 
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain after eating
• Smelly, oily stools
• Unintentional weight loss

Untreated pancreatitis may lead to complications, including kidney failure, infections, or breathing problems. It also puts you at risk for cysts, malnutrition, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer. 

What are the risk factors for pancreatitis?

Anyone can develop pancreatitis, but factors that increase your risk of having it include:

• Family history of pancreatitis
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol intake
• High triglycerides (fat levels)
• Overactive parathyroid gland
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Other medical problems
• Some medications 
• Abdominal surgery
• Injuries or trauma

Many medical problems boost your chance of developing pancreatitis. Examples include gallstones, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, infections, and more. Some procedures used to treat gallstones also contribute to pancreas inflammation. However, the exact cause isn’t always known.

How does my doctor diagnose pancreatitis?

To find out if you have pancreatitis, Dr. Prasad discusses your symptoms and medical history with you. He checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and often recommends one or more diagnostic tests. Examples include stool tests and blood tests, as well as abdominal ultrasounds, endoscopic ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, or other imaging procedures. 

How is pancreatitis treated?

Common treatments for pancreatitis include:

Lifestyle changes

There are some things you can do at home to recover from pancreatitis, including not drinking alcohol or smoking, eating nutritious foods, and drinking a lot of fluids. Dr. Prasad may also recommend that you take dietary supplements.

Medications

Taking medications can reduce unpleasant symptoms associated with pancreatitis and your risk of complications. Dr. Prasad may suggest IV fluids to treat dehydration if you suffer from it.

Procedures

Dr. Prasad may also recommend surgery to reduce the risk of complications linked with pancreatitis. He could suggest pancreas, bile duct, or gallbladder surgery.

To learn more about pancreatitis treatment, schedule an appointment with Ishwari Prasad, MD, PhD, PA in Tampa or Brandon, Florida, by phone or online today.