What is Acute Pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, a gland that plays an essential role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Causes
- Gallstones
- Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption
- Medications
- Infections
- Trauma
- Genetic factors
Symptoms
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Rapid pulse
- Swollen abdomen
Treatment
Treatment for acute pancreatitis typically involves:
- Hospitalization for monitoring
- Fasting to rest the pancreas
- Fluids and electrolytes via IV
- Pain management
- Addressing the underlying cause