OVERVIEW OF PANCREATITIS
The pancreas is a major organ involved with the digestion of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates by producing enzymes such as protease (digestion of proteins), lipase (digestion of lipids), amylase (digestion of carbohydrates) (pancan.org). The pancreas usually functions normally but it can sometimes become inflamed. This inflammation of the pancreas is called “pancreatitis”. The inflammation can cause swelling around blood vessels which then leads to bleeding and infection, which ultimately damages the pancreas. Too much damage to the pancreas will cease to function normally. (Balentine 2014)
There are two types of pancreatitis, “acute pancreatitis” and “chronic pancreatitis”. Acute pancreatitis is the start of symptoms and usually lasts for a shorter amount of time and is less severe. Chronic pancreatitis occurs after acute pancreatitis and more severe attacks on the pancreas can happen possibly causing scarring of the pancreas and irreversible damage. (Balentine 2014)
The most common causes of pancreatitis long-term alcohol abuse and gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct. There are other causes of pancreatitis as well, such as: medication, infections, high lipid content in blood, injury, etc.. But some cases of pancreatitis are caused by unknown factors. (Balentine 2014)
In the United States, about 80,000 cases of acute pancreatitis are reported every year. Anyone from child age to elderly can experience pancreatitis though it is very rare in children. Also, men seem to experience chronic pancreatitis more often than women. (Balentine 2014)
Page editor: Emily Marzolf
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There are two types of pancreatitis, “acute pancreatitis” and “chronic pancreatitis”. Acute pancreatitis is the start of symptoms and usually lasts for a shorter amount of time and is less severe. Chronic pancreatitis occurs after acute pancreatitis and more severe attacks on the pancreas can happen possibly causing scarring of the pancreas and irreversible damage. (Balentine 2014)
The most common causes of pancreatitis long-term alcohol abuse and gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct. There are other causes of pancreatitis as well, such as: medication, infections, high lipid content in blood, injury, etc.. But some cases of pancreatitis are caused by unknown factors. (Balentine 2014)
In the United States, about 80,000 cases of acute pancreatitis are reported every year. Anyone from child age to elderly can experience pancreatitis though it is very rare in children. Also, men seem to experience chronic pancreatitis more often than women. (Balentine 2014)
Page editor: Emily Marzolf
See sources in "Citations and Links" tab under "MORE..."