Diseases of the Pancreas - Article Example

It leads also not only to cyst formation but also to infection. Severe pancreatitis has also the potential of harming other essential organs like the heart, kidneys, and lungs. According to Digestive Disorders Health Center, “chronic pancreatitis is long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas” (Digestive Disorders Health Center 1). In most occasions, it results from acute pancreatitis. Heavy consumption of alcohol has also been associated with its causation. Damage to the pancreas as a result of heavy consumption of alcohol occasionally leads to no symptoms for many years.

However, the victim of heavy consumption of alcohol may develop serious pancreatic symptoms. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include nausea and vomiting, fever, and increased heart rate. The disease also leads to upper abdominal pain that spreads to the back as well as swollen and tender abdomen. The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include all symptoms of acute pancreatitis in addition to weight loss as a result of malabsorption and diabetes if the cells involved in producing insulin are destroyed (Buchler 108).

Treatment for acute pancreatitis obliges one to spend some days in hospital in order to access intravenous (IV) fluids, medication for relieving pain, and antibiotics. During the healing process, an individual is required not to eat in order to allow the pancreas to rest. Performance of Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography aid in the healing of chronic pancreatitis; it enhances the admission of sphincterotomy, gallstone removal, stent placement, and balloon dilatation. Alcohol has been associated with the causation of pancreatitis.

Thus, doing away with alcohol is one of the ways of avoiding pancreatitis.