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Acute pancreatitis is not a very common pancreatic disorder but may cause severe complications if left unattended for a long time. Pancreas is a very important gland of human body and any disorder therein may disrupt various vital functions. The disease occurs in around 270 out of every 100,000 people in the United States of America (USA) and is completely treatable if diagnosed properly.
Acute Pancreatitis and Pancreas
Pancreatitis is a disorder in which the pancreatic enzymes activate in the pancreas. Usually these enzymes, also known as trypsin, activate in the small intestine as their main function is to digest food. Abnormal activation of these enzymes can be either acute or chronic depending upon the health condition of the victim. Chronic pancreatitis is a case in which the enzyme abnormality develops gradually over time and cannot be easily eliminated by basic medical techniques. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation in the pancreas and do not tend to stay for too long if treated on an urgent basis.
Pancreas is a vital gland present in the endocrine and digestive system and performs various forms of functions. It is responsible for production of important hormones like insulin, somatostatin and glucagon. It also acts as a digestive organ and performs the function of secretion of pancreatic juices. These pancreatic juices contain digestive enzymes that play an important role in absorption of nutrients and digestion in the small intestine. The enzymes also help in intake of proteins lipids and carbohydrates in the right quantities. Thus, any abnormality in the pancreas directly affects the overall digestive system of the victim and ultimately affects his health.
Causes of Acute Pancreatitis
The disease is more common in males as compared to females and can develop due to a variety of causes including personal habits and lifestyle of a person. Excess consumption of alcohol is the biggest cause of the disease and accounts for nearly 70% of the overall cases in the United States of America. Pancreatic duct blockage is another major concern to be given due attention. These ducts are present in the pancreas itself and responsible for draining enzymes from the pancreatic areas. Hence, blockage of such ducts may prove risky and cause severe abnormalities in the pancreas. Many people undergo surgery in or near the pancreas and may suffer from unhealed injuries or side-effects of the treatment itself. Improper or over-medication can also be harmful to the pancreas and cause pancreatitis in the region. Usually the pancreatitis arising in such cases is acute and can be cured safely by following a proper cure pattern.
Accidental injury to pancreas or high level of triglycerides (a kind of fat) may cause pancreatitis in an acute manner and the situation is also known as hypertriglyceridemia. Cystic fibrosis is another major cause of the disease. Cystic fibrosis develops mainly due to generation of sticky and thick mucus in major parts of the body including lungs, pancreas and digestive tract. This leads to various infections and serious digestion problems. The disorder may cause swelling in the pancreas and can be fatal if not attended well.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is a disorder in which some toxic substances are produced as a result of an infection in the digestion tract and is harmful for red blood cells. The disease can be severe as it also affects the kidney and poses severe threat to pancreas. Over-production of parathyroid hormones (generated by parathyroid glands) may lead to hyperparathyroidism and pose danger to pancreas. Kawasaki disease is also a popular cause of acute pancreatic disorder in children and is caused due to irritation of blood vessels. Intake of medicines like azathioprine, corticosteroids, estrogens and thiazide diuretics without proper medical supervision can be harmful for pancreatic health.
Infections like Ascaris, Clonorchis, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Mumps and Coxsackievirus can also lead to pancreatitis of acute pattern. Mumps is the most common cause in young adults and adolescents. Gallstones are responsible for most of the cases of pancreatitis of acute type in Eastern countries while alcoholism contributes significantly to the majority of cases in the western world.
Acute pancreatitis can be detected by undergoing some of the contemporary diagnosis techniques like abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT (Computed Tomography) scan and abdominal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. Endoscopic ultrasound is also an important detection technique used to trace inflammation or swelling in the pancreas. Low blood pressure, abdominal pains and swelling or tenderness, rapid breathing rate and sudden increase in heart-beat rate are some of the symptoms of the disease and need to be addressed at the earliest to avoid unnecessary health issues.
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