Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which can present with varying degrees of symptoms and potentially lead to irreversible endocrine dysfunctions, making it a serious health condition. Pancreatitis is commonly categorized into two main types: acute and chronic.

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation and infection condition. It often occurs after an acute pancreatitis attack. The most important causes are gallstones in the gallbladder and long-term alcohol use. Alcohol can cause serious and irreversible damage to the pancreas. Ignoring the resulting conditions can lead to sudden acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis, due to its life-threatening complications and mortality rate, requires urgent medical attention, while chronic pancreatitis is often not noticed until approximately 80-90% of the endocrine (internal secretion) and exocrine (external secretion) tissue is destroyed.

Typically, male patients with acute pancreatitis are between 40-45 years old and have a history of alcoholism. Female patients are between 50-55 years old and have a history of gallbladder disease. The mechanisms that lead to pancreatic infection are still not fully understood. It is generally attributed to the blockage of the pancreatic duct, accompanied by excessive secretion of pancreatic enzymes.

Causes of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis can range from a mild condition to a severe illness that does not respond to any treatment. The most common causes include gallstones (45%) and alcohol use (35%). Less common causes are viral infections, such as the mumps virus. Acute pancreatitis can also occur after recent surgical procedures. Other causes of acute pancreatitis include:

  1. Tumors
  2. Parasites
  3. Ethanol and methanol alcohols
  4. Diuretic medications
  5. Severe trauma
  6. Atherosclerosis
  7. High blood lipid levels
  8. Crohn’s disease
  9. Pancreatic cancer

Age-Related Changes Acute pancreatitis affects all age groups. However, the mortality rate due to acute pancreatitis increases with age. Additionally, symptoms and signs change with age. Monitoring the function of organs such as the lungs and kidneys is very important. Intensive treatment may be required to reduce life-threatening risks associated with acute pancreatitis in the elderly.

Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis

The main symptom that drives individuals to seek medical help is severe abdominal pain. Inflammation in the pancreas causes nerve endings to be triggered, leading to abdominal pain, tenderness, and back pain. The pain typically develops quickly. It starts 24 to 48 hours after alcohol consumption. The pain from acute pancreatitis is diffuse, making it difficult to localize.

It often worsens after meals. Pain from pancreatitis is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension (swelling). Fever, jaundice, and mental confusion can also occur. In addition, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath are common symptoms.

When Should You Go to the Hospital? If you have abdominal pain of a severity you have never experienced before, accompanied by vomiting and fever, or if you generally feel unwell, call an ambulance and seek emergency medical assistance as quickly as possible.

How is Acute Pancreatitis Diagnosed?

Acute pancreatitis is diagnosed using clinical findings, biochemical tests, and various diagnostic methods. The diagnosis is based on a history of abdominal pain, known risk factors, physical examination findings, and other diagnostic criteria. In 80-95% of acute pancreatitis cases in children, the most common symptom is abdominal pain. Additional tests for diagnosing acute pancreatitis may include:

Laboratory Tests

  • An increase in serum amylase and lipase enzyme levels to three times the normal value is a specific finding for acute pancreatitis.
  • Urine amylase levels rise.
  • White blood cell count (WBC) is found to be between 10,000-20,000/mm³.
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may be observed.

Radiographic Diagnostic Methods

  • Abdominal X-ray
  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
  • In ⅓ of acute pancreatitis cases, abnormal lung findings are observed.
  • Ultrasound is performed after hospital admission to detect any gallstones.
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is rarely used, as acute pancreatitis requires urgent medical intervention, leaving no time for ERCP.

Can Acute Pancreatitis Be Prevented?

The best and easiest way to prevent pancreatitis is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Recommendations to prevent pancreatitis include:

  • Maintain a healthy weight according to your body mass index.
  • Engage in regular exercise.
  • Quit smoking and alcohol consumption.

Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis

Treatment for acute pancreatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing possible complications. Oral feeding is stopped to limit pancreatic stimulation and enzyme secretion. Intravenous nutrition (parenteral feeding) is crucial, especially for patients weakened by the stress caused by the condition. Necessary medications to reduce nausea, relieve abdominal pain, and decrease excess stomach acid are administered as prescribed by the physician.

About 80% of acute pancreatitis cases improve rapidly. However, 20% of cases are severe and can lead to life-threatening conditions such as multiple organ failure. In severe cases with complications, there is a high risk of mortality. It may take several months for a person to recover after receiving acute pancreatitis treatment.

How to Take Care of Yourself After Experiencing Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis can recur. To prevent recurrence, it is important to adopt a low-fat diet, quit smoking and alcohol, follow the treatment plan set by the physician, and seek nutritional advice from a dietitian.

Who is at Risk for Acute Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is more common in middle-aged and older adults, but it can affect people of all ages and pose a risk to anyone. Studies show that alcohol use in men and gallstone formation in women are significant factors in the development of pancreatitis.

Is Acute Pancreatitis a Recurring Condition?

Acute pancreatitis can be a one-time occurrence. However, if there is an underlying cause, pancreatitis may recur until the cause is eliminated. Some measures to prevent recurrent acute pancreatitis include:

  • If gallstones are the cause, surgery is performed to remove the gallstones and the gallbladder.
  • If alcohol is the cause, alcohol use should be stopped.

Approximately 40% of acute pancreatitis cases are caused by gallstone formation. To prevent acute pancreatitis and many other health issues, quitting smoking and alcohol use is crucial. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits can prevent the formation of gallstones. Treatment should involve cooperation with doctors and dietitians, following the recommendations and advice of health professionals.

Wishing you healthy days ahead.