Pancreatitis Is the Inflammation of the Pancreas - Essay Example

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas with varying degrees of pancreatic edema, fat necrosis, or hemorrhage.

The research found that drugs such as Furosemide and Azathioprine induce acute pancreatitis (Lankisch, Dröge, & Gottesleben, 1995). The cause of chronic pancreatitis includes cystic fibrosis, Hypercalcemia, hyperlipidemia, or hypertriglyceridemia. Pancreas divisum which is a congenital anomaly is considered to cause pancreatitis. However, an explanation as to how is not yet known.

Signs and Symptoms for acute pancreatitis, present fever, nausea, and vomiting. On physical examination, abdominal pain and tenderness are evident. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis may involve upper abdominal pain, indigestion, oily smelly stool, and weight loss. Diabetes may also develop thus insulin is given.

On physical examination, the patient’s abdomen shows distension. Jaundice and dyspnea are also observed thus a stethoscope is used to assess irritation of the diaphragm. If palpation of the abdomen shows pain and a feeling of bloating, it suggests a pancreatic pseudocyst which could be further confirmed with a CT scan.
Laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis may include serum amylase and lipase. Read More